Midnight Mass (in bed by 2.00am up again four hours later, followed by grey-faced Christmas morning service had sapped my lowish energy and all I could think of was sleep.
There have been many services extra to the normal ones, nuch singing, lots of travelling by taxi (no other transport available) and the usual half joyous - half-knackered, run up to the big day.
All that finally over I decided to cook in the evening and watch scads of TV.
Half way through "Downton", there was a loud, gun-shot-like crack and a lump of glass shot by me to land on the carpet in front of me. The last remains of my Advent candle had over-heated the glass candlestick and was still burning in the remaining half on the cabinet behind me.
A few years ago I would have loudly bemoaned the loss of one of a pair of Art Deco frosted glass candlesticks which John and I had bought some thirty years ago, but after a sighed "oh what a pity", I simply blew out the remaining candle stump, picked up (gingerly) the glass from the floor and thought 'I'll vacuum up the remainder in the morning.
Ten minutes later happily watching the 'meerkat' ad which has baby 'Oleg' found on Mr Alexander's doorstep being eagerly claimed by lovely old Sergei, I had returned to Downton and forgotten about the glass missile.
Until I lost John, 'things' played a significant part in my life. These days my perspective has changed and the inanimate are resuming their true place.
Once upon a time I worried about what was going to happen to my 'valuables' after my death, nowadays I know that the life which preceded that death is what matters.
Just a Christmas reflection.
I am glad you had a good Christmas despite your candle and glass missile! All the best for 2014.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suem, and the same to you
ReplyDeletehow true about ones possessions - I am trying to declutter at the moment. All the best for 2014, wishing you health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan and to you too.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering about my stuff too.....your attitude is the right one I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI think the attitude is right too, it's just that a life-time of acquiring possessions (particularly if one has had none early in life} makes the wrench of letting go a tough one.
ReplyDeleteIt's just that when weighed against what really matters (people}, things start to fall into place.
A Christmas reflection with a great deal of truth in it, Ray. I'm sorry about the loss of your candlestick, but the other is still there to bring back the happy memories linked to it. Keeping the balance where things are concerned isn't easy.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to keep the balance, you're quite right.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about that and looking at a cabinet of glass and china, some good, some not so good and some frankly awful and wondering when I'll be able to make the decision to sell or give it all away.
Some I/we collected, some was my mothers and some belonged to my grandmother. No-one else in the family is interested and I have to make my mind up soon. (ish).