I’m sitting here watching the birds at my feeder in the woods, a gentle snow falling. Christmas Eve and I’m feeling a bit subdued. I’ve got the week off, so there’s been time to clean house, tackle a few projects, and prepare, but I’m not feeling very festive. My gifts have been sorted for weeks as I purchase them as I find them. The trick is remembering where I stashed them.
I’ve felt unsettled as of late. Worry about our country’s political divide. Worry about my Dad, who is battling cancer. Worry about Old Blue, the tractor that always picks winter to have issues. Worry about friends who are struggling to stay warm and have a special holiday meal in these difficult times.
I go through the motions—decorating, cooking, delivering gifts—but despite having so much to be grateful for, something still feels a bit flat this year.
For my family, all that is left to do is a bit of cooking, fill the stockings, enjoy some holiday music, and have a date with A Charlie Brown Christmas. This childhood show is a family tradition and never fails to bring joy.
Each year at Christmas, I continue the tradition of sharing a linoleum block print crafted by my great-great-aunt, Elizabeth Strobel (1886–1982). Learn more about the history of these prints here. She designed this particular piece in collaboration with her art students at Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. I’m continually fascinated by the blend of religious and commercial imagery of Christmas that her prints capture.
Although the spirit of the season eludes me this year, it’s good to be reminded, “There’ll Always Be A Christmas.”
Here’s hoping you are safe and with the ones you love this Christmas Eve. Wishing you a Christmas filled with Peace and Joy.
Susan
View past Christmas messages and Elizabeth’s linoleum block prints.
- 24 Dec 2024
- 24 Dec 2023
- 24 Dec 2022 – no electricity
- 24 Dec 2021
- 24 Dec 2020 – the history and images of Elizabeth
- 24 Dec 2019
- 24 Dec 2017
- 24 Dec 2016
- 24 Dec 2015
- 24 Dec 2014
- 24 Dec 2013
- 24 Dec 2012
- 24 Dec 2011
- 24 Dec 2010
I’m sorry that you’re not feeling the Christmas Spirit as much this year but I certainly understand. You have a lot on your plate and the world is crazy right now. Your great aunt’s linoleum blocks are so beautiful, she was so talented! Merry Christmas, Susan. Enjoy your family! Jan in MA
The lineoleum blocks are beautiful -thank you for sharing them. The holiday season can be overwhelming, so I hope you can take time to relax and just breathe.
With regard to the troubles in our world – a friend shared a snippet of a poem by Rumi. It’s beautiful and I hope to keep it top of mind for the coming year: ” Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
Peace.