First Thoughts by KatesFriend
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Description
Firstly, I ask for the reader's indulgence as I have a personal saying which might seem less than friendly on the surface. There is only one thing worse than the commercialization of Christmas. And that's the people who want to do something about it. In my experience most of these back-to-basics types always seek to do away the gifts, the feasting and of coarse the Christmas tree. These elements, we are told, are not integral to the true meaning of the holiday. Never mind that Jesus, the historical figure, was likely not born at this time of year and that the Christian church had simply co-opted the various Winter Solstice celebrations of Northwest Europe. A hybrid holiday made out of a political compromise - but we love it anyways. Now, as I have become aged I will admit that the gifts are less important to me. The drink, a little more so. But I continue to embrace the Christmas tree with the same vigour as when I was little. Growing up I took it upon myself to craft the lighting and reflectors so that our trees looked full of coloured light. Even deep inside the branches. When someone, out of misplaced piousness or laziness, would ask, "we don't really need a tree do we?", my defense of our illuminated evergreen would become most strident. Not while I still draw breath would my home be without a tree at Christmas time. I would have drawn my sword had I had one. My passion was and is great. It's taken me over fifty (50) years to figure it out but now I believe I know why. As most know, I was born in early December. In those days my mother would have brought me home anywhere from a week to a week-and-a-half afterwards. Just past mid-month. And Mom has confirmed that a day or so after coming home with me she set about to trim the family Christmas tree. Dad would erect the tree and Mom would spend an afternoon putting on the lights and garland. And, as with all her newborns, she kept me within sight of her. Close to the tree upon which she worked, I laid face up in the same bassinet Mom now uses to collect her dirty laundry. Then, the sporadic moments when my infant self would open his eyes. No doubt I beheld an albeit blurry but mighty green conic form. A mammoth tower bejeweled with intense bright lights, coloured beyond my limited experience or imagination. Perhaps my very first impression of what colour and scale really were. I'm no expert but it's hard to overstate the impact an experience like that could have had on such a young mind. I suspect many, if not all, Sagittarians had such an experience in their early life. Perhaps the first time I ever wondered about anything. Fifty-one (51) years later I still really love colour. The more vibrant and primary (saturated) the better. No surprise, I am drawn to impressionist art and cosmic art and coloured light - night streets, sunrises, stained glass windows, prisms and of coarse Christmas trees. My fixation has lead to some decorating conflicts with my spouse. She who is not Sagittarian and who has her own ideas as to how a Christmas tree should look. My thanks to all of you for taking the time to read through my rambling thoughts. Enjoy your holiday season everyone.
Comments (15)
tetrasnake
Gorgeous, my friend!
magnus073
Clayton, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Christmas and was very moved. I'm normally a huge fan of Christmas but with the loss of my Dad recently in all honesty I just want this one behind me.
johndoop
Amazing picture!!! And nice thoughts!! Happy Christmas to you and your family!!!!!!!!!!!
eekdog
everything is about comericalism, Clyaton. all about the green backs. still love christmas and it's joys. and of course mostly Jesus.. nice image and commentary.. happy holidays my friend.. //lol Steve
Cyve
Fantastic image my friend... Outstandingly well done !!!
Mulltipass
Excellent image / Excellent words
Faemike55
Love your commentary Great art as well Have a Merry Christmas
renecyberdoc
nothing rambling there my man,indeed a thoughtful and nice read.it must have been amazing this point of view,heheheh.fine memories.one of the most deep memories i have from xmas is that my father burned the garage my godfather gifted me,he could not stanjd seeing me play,that changed my overall sentiment towards xmas,i always had a deranged connection with the festivities,my father was in high alert for the holidays drinking more than his already heavy consumption on these days,and then he beat the crap out of my mom and us,until i was a bit older and i smacked his teeth,he then never touched us again.............and he died like a rotten piece of crap that he was.now this is rambling bro. nevertheless have a nice holidays.i do the same with our daughter and my UteBigSmile!!!.and of course with our furbabes..
giulband
Absolutely great image. A unique original POv of a common scene. Genial !!!!
Radar_rad-dude
I enjoyed reading your early experiences with the Christmas trees of your youth and you passion for the tree! Many thanks for sharing these wonderful memories and your passion and also the wonderful image above! Merry Christmas to you!
flavia49
very lovely! Happy Holidays!!
oddment
Ah yes... A Santa on every corner, the Black-Friday shopping madness, Chistmas music playing all month long, bright lights and bell-ringers at every store entrance... It just wouldn't be the same without 'em. I say, "Bring on the egg-nog!"
Darkwish
Remarkable work, very well done!
ACue
Thoroughly enjoyed your ramblings, my friend. Excellent render and image. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.
android65mar
Great history, fantastic imagery