It took some searching, but eventually we found a statuesque white pine to bring home to Minneapolis as our Christmas tree. Our quest took place in Osceola, WI at Buttermilk Falls CSA and Folk School, a farm perched on the prairie above the St. Croix River. The landscape in winter is stark and desolate, from afar it appears lifeless, but we walked through the fields, the forests, and along the river and discovered so many magical moments of life past and present.
Green watercress in the creek, shriveled red berries in the trees, and golden oats that escaped the fate of the scythe appear like jewels against the snow--colors of life. Six sunflowers standing high and alone in the field, reminded me of the relic Apadana of Persepolis, and spoke of how this land had once existed in a golden age.
I love this about winter. I love the contrast of life and seemingly lifelessness. The white-noise "shhh" of snow falling in the trees. I love creating refuge from the cold in a warm home, steam on the kitchen windows. I love how beautifully lights illuminate the December darkness. I love walking down the block and seeing Christmas trees in peoples' homes--a little nature this time of year brings a lot of life to the heart.
After celebrating the advent with friends on the farm, we drove an hour of country roads back to Minneapolis and hauled the tree to our second floor apartment. I wonder what can be more heart warming in this land of 10,000 lakes than decorating a tree, drinking hot cocoa, eating chicken soup, and laughing with friends while listening to the croon of Bing Crosby singing the seasonal standards in mid-December?
Happy Holidays friends! May your season be merry and bright.