By this time of the year, anyone living in a latitude anywhere near or north of ours in London, ON knows the feeling by now this year of chilled fingertips, or of icy toes, or of a chill wind against your face. It can be a struggle at times to be optimistic about the coming winter months. This must be tied together with some sort of a primitive instincts.
We all know of the many psychological links between things we are anxious about and the fight or flight instinct that helped guide us from danger for eons. There must be some instinctual response within our human nature that gives us some sort of a jolt at the first signs of winter’s awakening. A shot of adrenalin into our system, similar to the fear response jolt that every living being knows to the core. Perhaps it’s to give us the energy to round up all of those nuts and seeds and roots that will keep us alive through the winter. Perhaps it was to keep us safe from the grizzly bear sort of predators who were looking for something warm and fleshy to build up their fat content with in time for hibernation. Maybe it guided an instinct as to who we might want to be (or not to be) be cuddling up beside through the coming months, or if our shelter will be secure, safe and warm around us.
To me, there always is a wistful nature to December days and nights. In December dreams, even. In these times, heading into winter (do you believe it’s still fall?), there are always those who are missing in our lives this time around. How deeply that feels this year. We must all feel that way, to some extent.
As devastating a time this Covid period has been, it is such a blessing that this time of separation is not due to war. Generations have survived far, far worse situations than this. We know the worst of it will be far in the past by next December. What a celebration it will be next year, through these same calendar days. Can you feel the excitement at that thought right now?
We live at times in these beautiful patterns and relationships that we feel somehow will last forever, but that’s not the way that it goes, we all know. Situations are forever changing and that’s part what keeps life special and delicate and challenging so alive. And so full of countless, breathtaking, love filled memories.
In the Cold of December
https://orbitfriendly.bandcamp.com/track/in-the-cold-of-december
In the cold of December
I’ll always remember
How the fresh signs of winter
Cast their shadows all aroundWe knew soon ahead waiting
Was a time celebrating
As we’d gather together
With our hopes a common ground2)We spent time decorating
And planning and waiting
For it wasn’t too long
That we’d have this time to share
Times of laughter and greetings
With ones we were meeting
After travels and arrivals
Simply glad to be there
Chorus)
So it goes and we know
That the seasons keep turning
Just as sure we’re learning
What will always be true
And in a while, with a smile
I will always remember
Of this place and of this time
And of these moments with you
3)
It could be sleigh bells ringing
Or carolers singing
Or the lights that are shining
All around us bringing cheer
That will lift up our spirits
And with those who are near us
We will wish a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
(to Chorus repeated)
credits
Words and Music by David A. BuckleyVocalists: David, Anca, Shaelah, Lliam, Thaesha, Naidan and Keirah BuckleyAll instruments performed by David A. BuckleyProduced by David A. Buckley
Mixed by Lliam Buckley
Copyright 2020 David Buckley (SOCAN)
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