Last week, Shaker Susan indicated in comments that s/he might be looking toward this day with a bit of dread -- that they'd probably be alone, and that can be a very tough thing -- a thing that I know from direct experience.
Christmas Day can feel like a very lonely time -- for a multitude of reasons -- whether because it's something you don't celebrate at all, or you are celebrating a different holiday altogether and feeling overrun by the status quo, or because you do celebrate Christmas and think of it as a time when you should be in connection with others (and you aren't this year, for whatever reason), or because you are actually surrounded by people (say, your relatives) but you feel isolated and cut off from them -- or just -- because . . . . .
I told Shaker Susan that I'd be thinking of hir today, and I am. I'm thinking of my purse-wielding sister Broce, too . . . .
In fact, I'm thinking of every Shaker (and every human) who might be feeling left out, or tossed away, or just plain and simple lonely -- of those who might be struggling with hunger, or fear, or pain, or dis-ease of the body/heart/mind, or financial difficulty, or relationship problems, or other challenges. I'm thinking of you, and remembering times when Christmas seemed like the loneliest day of the year to me.
I don't celebrate Christmas as others do. I don't do presents anymore, and haven't for years. I do still use the day as an excuse to laze about, spend a little more from my grocery-budget (when I can) to get something that feels like a treat, connect with loved ones on the phone/in person, and I do relish the quiet that seems to descend on my little town on days like these -- "holidays/holy days". This year, I'm also getting to enjoy watching the snow do a slow vanishing act outside.
So, Shakers, if you're feeling a bit down today, know that at least one heart and one mind (mine) are holding you in consideration and contemplation -- and please feel free to use the comment thread of this post as an impromptu virtual pub, or just a place to vent or connect or give a shout out to other Shakers and the world.
I mean, if the predominant message of today is supposed to be "Joy to the World" and shit, then let's make some Shaker Cheer!
It's very early morning here, but I'll be checking the thread through the day.
Sleepy Near Seattle,
PortlyDyke
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