A Festival of Lights

During this Yuletide, as the Holly King is crowned and falls to his lighter aspect; the Oak King, the days will begin to stay lighter for longer... so we celebrate the return of the light from the ever-encroaching darkness by festooning everything in sight with beautiful lights! Evergreen trees were considered magickal in ancient times because they remained evidently alive and green during this seemingly dead time of year. As a result, the custom of decorating with evergreens has been a part of the seasons festivities ever since....as they symbolized the survival and rebirth of the sun at Yule.

One of our yearly traditions here at Thistlebright is to go on our annual 'Yuletide Light Ride' and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. We make awards - essentially cards proclaiming the recipient to have the 'Best Lights on the Block', which we affix to a candy cane with a bit of ribbon. When we see a house that knocks our eyes out and touches our heart, one of us grabs a candy cane, runs up to the house, and hangs the award in a prominent place. Our way of saying 'Thank You' for adding this touch of beauty to our lives...

More isn't always better, however... sometimes just a few lights, some evergreen, and some ribbon is enough to make a house so beautiful and inviting that we almost can't stand it!!

We generally listen to holiday music as we meander around, and we take huge cups of steaming hot chocolate to drink.

This is one of the most looked-forward-to events of the year, at least by me!!

This years Yuletide light ride was a smashing success!

We came home, fixed a couple of Metaxa and Cokes, put on 'It's a Wonderful Life' and snuggled up to relax... with only the white lights dancing on the tree...

Elysia gave me a beautiful new ornament; A golden oak leave with a copper colored acorn on it.. both hanging from a golden ribbon. The leaf and acorn were alive at one time... both have been dipped in copper, and then the leaf was plated in gold.

It is absolutely amazing!! Throughout the movie, my eyes kept sliding over to it, admiring it as it hung there glittering and winking at me!!

I held my girl close... sipped my drink... and thouroughly enjoyed my night!

Today was my last day at work before vacation! Yay!!