December nostalgia

One of the best things around Christmas, living in a small town, is seeing all the college students and young adults returning home, for some time with family & loved ones. Most of our families are scattered about the U.S., bound together by "my-facer" social networking, blogging, and the like. Cell phones and texting make us ever near, but there something so heartwarming about coming together at Christmas. We have been on the observing end of things this year, since we have just returned from our tropical vacation, and had a quiet Christmas, just the two of us.

On Christmas eve, we attended a candlelight service at a local church, observing close families huddled together to celebrate this special birthday, in music, song and tradition. With a smile on every face, and Christmas attire brought out from the closets for just this day, we lit candles in a darkened room together and sang about "Joy to the World", that above the rest of the glitter, is the true reason for the season. "Let every heart prepare Him room"....

On the 25th, as ridiculous as it sounds, I decorated a beautiful tree that a friend had brought us, who knew that we planned to do without a tree this year. Watching the room's atmosphere soften and glow as the lights were lit and reflective ornaments placed near the boughs, made me quietly reflective.
I was reminded about all the many years I've decorated trees for the holidays, in different locations, and with different combinations of family members present, but all with the same feeling of warmth, regardless of circumstances.

Last night, we were observers of another tradition here during the holidays....the high school basketball alumni pulling together a team vs. the high school's current basketball squad.
Returning past players, some overestimating their current fitness level, give it their all to outdo the present team. Their faces turn red as they run from court to court, flailing the ball and keeping their sense of humor intact, more than their egos. Familiar faces playing, as well as families and spectators in the stands make it a lively gathering.

There is such a strong sense of place here. It draws people back, joining in winter holidays, as well as summer pilgrimages home. Although not all roads lead to Homer, all hearts that have ever called it home return. Somehow, someway, in the right season, they revisit the community they grew to love, and the mountains and glaciers that shadow Kachemak Bay.