This will be the second Christmas in a row that we didn't put up a tree or decorations. Last year it didn't matter so much, because we were busy planning a trip to Italy, and we got to experience the holidays over there. But this year I turned into the Grinch. Not even the Grinch, because it wasn't that I oppose Christmas, it's my favorite holiday, but I had no holiday spirit.
We are juggling a lot, with a job change, a possible house purchase, and living above a seriously crazy couple in a duplex. But everyone is feeling the grind aren't they? I'm grateful there was a new job opportunity and that we can even contemplate buying a house. But all this worrying doesn't leave much room to think about anything else.
Then my husband surprised me with tickets to the Nutcracker on Wednesday, and I was excited to finally have something to really dress up for. I wore my favorite piece in my closet, a vintage sequined Chanel jacket that I found in a consignment store, along with this Lanvin for H&M poufy skirt. When we entered the building it was packed inside with people wearing jeans. I've never felt so overdressed, and immediately the resentful feelings I have about this lethargic, mundane city I live in came bubbling to the surface. Doesn't anyone care anymore?
And then a shy voice said, "I love your dress." I looked over at a line of little girls, as one by one they told me that I looked beautiful or that they loved my dress. I sat down in my seat still blushing in the darkness as we watched the ballet. There was a beautiful "snow" scene, and all of sudden it appeared they were dappling the audience with lights as well, but then I realized it was actual snow drifting down from the ceiling landing wetly onto my cheeks and clothing. The children were gasping in delight and wonder as they reached up to touch the snow.
We broke for intermission and it happened again, as I was suddenly surrounded by a group of girls exclaiming over my outfit, and their little hands reached out to tentatively touch the sequins or the lace on my skirt. We ran into a colleague of my husband's, who told us it was community night, where children and adults from local social service agencies are able to experience The Nutcracker at no cost.
These girls remind me very much of another little girl I knew, and despite living in extreme conditions, they continue to see and appreciate the beauty in this world.
Take that, Mr. Grinch.
The Moodboard family wants to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
