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Illumination
Reflections on the Holidays
by Eunice Majam

Tiny purple lights illuminate the 7 ft. tree that stands beside the sliding door leading to the patio of my small apartment. No other light was on except for the Christmas lights that I set up on the tree. The purple lights were steady and their gleam was hypnotic. I sat there on my futon sofa for a long time just looking at the tree that is made beautiful by the lights and the little round ornaments that hang around it. Earlier it was just a tree so plain to look at, but with a little creativity from someone who wanted to make it attractive, the tree became a source of delight.

     I bought the tree and personally hauled it to my place this morning. There was a lot of excitement involved when I bought the tree because it is my first time to have a real one. When my dad and mom were helping me choose the Christmas tree at a nearby tree lot, they tried to find something that I could easily carry by myself when I drive back to my apartment. Looking through the Christmas tree yard, I saw the  perfect tree, at least in my opinion. My dad thought otherwise because he said it was too bulky. He then chose a tree that was all tied up. It was a bit tall, but there was no way of knowing how  the branches would look when I cut the cord. I decided to get the tree anyway because of the practical advice of my dad.

     The decorated tree lulled me to a reflective state. Looking at it made me see how the Christmas tree can stand for so many things in our lives. When asked what the Christmas tree reminds them of, some of my friends answered that it reminds them of warm, happy memories of giving, family gatherings, abundance, and many other pleasing thoughts. While this is also true for me, a unique thought came to mind when I was looking at the Christmas tree in my living room. Life is like that Christmas tree, a symbol only celebrated once a year. It is unfortunate but true that most people take themselves, or their lives for granted. They seldom remember what a wonderful gift they hold. Only during birthdays do they remember the significance of another year added to their  lives. Only once a year do they celebrate the many ornaments of growth, maturity, relationships, and accomplishments surrounding them. Wouldn't it be nice if we could celebrate these things with every breath we take? Yes, of course, but given our busy lives this is difficult to remember; And maybe this is why we have Christmas and the holiday season to remind us that our life is indeed a gift.

     The aphorism about life being more pleasant if we can live like it is Christmas everyday is true, because Christmas stands for love and sharing. We can enhance the experience more if we, as we try to celebrate Christmas everyday, celebrate ourselves also and the symbol we stand for: dignity and life, the most precious gift of all.

     Tiny purple lights illuminate the 7 ft. tree that stands beside the sliding door leading to the patio of my small apartment. No other light was on except for the Christmas lights that I carefully set up on the tree. Earlier it was just a tree so plain to look at, but in a short time of reflection, the tree became a source of wisdom.
                                                                                                                 -EM
 

Read other articles by Eunice: Reflection on Change - transition from College student to young professional, Coming of Morning