Evergreens
Evergreens are taken for granted all year long until the last leaf of fall floats to the ground and they seem to be the only living thing left outside. I imagine on this day they puff up their branches full of green needles with a sense of satisfaction. So what if those other deciduous trees get all the attention in October with their sunseting shades of reds and yellows and oranges. Evergreens patiently wait for their glory days when they get to go inside.
Just like candelabras, Evergreens have long since been a sign of hope that life persists through the cold, dark, winter days. While walking to work today I saw a hair salon with a petite Christmas tree propped up in its front window, including just a few ornaments, along with a garland framing the windows. On the garland hung this glittery word: Dream. For many of us, that’s a dream of Caribbean beaches, but for some in those humid places, it’s the dream of snuggling into sweaters, warmly tucked inside sitting next to a Christmas tree listening to Aretha Franklin.
At my office building there is now a giant Evergreen wreath hanging in the entry, likely as of 15 minutes before I got there. While this one is imitation, isn’t it amazing that live greens can be hung on Dec. 2 and essentially live until the New Year? Sure, they’ll get a little pale and snappy (Don’t we all by the end of the holiday season?), but still hold onto life with precious recognition of its worth.
I think we should all take a few minutes this season with a naked Evergreen, whether it’s a Christmas tree right after it gets dragged into the house and laboriously secured into the stand or a rooted tree in the park, daydreaming about what it’s like to be ever constant, ever reliable, ever patient and ever green.
P.S. While I’m not ready for the Christmas carol classics yet, I did listen to Jesus Christ Superstar while writing this post.
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