We went tidying the two family graves this morning and we placed two Aldi bought planters filled with winter flowering plants on them. They are a change from the traditional wreaths.
It does not do me much good mentally and leaves me profoundly sad. But it's good to visit my mum and dad's graves at Christmas. It's good to still visit them even though they are gone from the land of the living.
Then we took our Christmas presents to my brothers house and talked for an hour and a half. I bet we don't see anybody else until after the Christmas holiday?
Well that's wrong. Two friends have visited this afternoon and dropped off some prezzies. I think one is a nice bottle of wine to go with our lump of Dexter beef and our homegrown organic vegetables and some bought organic potatoes.
I wish it was Christmas Day tomorrow.
My brother rang me this morning and thought it was Christmas Day tomorrow. I think I had my Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve last year. I am not sure what I will do this year. I went to see a neighbour this afternoon after I got home and sat with her for a while. Her husband was outside digging drains out. She was arranging flowers she had found in the garden for decorations on the Christmas table. I think of my parents all the time and often speak to mum when I am wanting help and then feel very sad about it although I continue to talk to her. I believe that you cannot leave everything in the past and the past doesn't just disappear. Thanks for a lovely post Dave.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comment Rachel. I some times dream that I am talking to my parents and think of all the things I want to tell them about and show them. Then I wake up and realise they are no longer in the land of the living. Life is so short and Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill. Thanks Rachel.
ReplyDeleteTraditionally we tidy graves and light the little candle wicks floating olive oil on Good Friday, All Souls Saturday and Christmas. My s in law usually goes and does the job. I go and light a candle in one of the little churches on my parents anniversaries. They weren't believers and neither am I but I feel better and don't want to forget
ReplyDeleteIn Poland they visit graves on November the 1st Linda. I get more agnostic every year. I would like to think we will see our loved ones again one day. I hope so. It's really nice that you light a candle on your parents anniversaries. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas on Poros.
ReplyDeleteI never visit graves - I’m not sure there are any in our family at least in recent times. I’m not sure that’s a good thing for graves I suppose can give a sense of connection and place. Mark from Bikeshed
ReplyDeleteHi Mark. I have visited several famous literary and music graves in recent years. I also think it's good to have somewhere to visit and connect like you say. It definitely makes you realise that what we think is important is not important at all. We live on borrowed time. That's a Diamond head song title. Have a great Christmas.
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