Improvised Pattern: Less Things, More Experiences

This year I come back to blogging with a goal I have long esteemed - even if I cannot claim to have been working consistently towards it. I think the title wording here came from someone's facebook status over the countdown to New Year's Eve, but the thought resonates with me especially after the holiday season.

Spending the last two Christmases in Norway has really emphasized to me the full spectrum of what the holiday season is - rather than simply gifts. Of course it's nice to give and receive gifts, and they do that here as well, but the focus of the weeks before and after Christmas here are much less about the presents than in the US. A general goal of coziness and comfort is the focus, with the food, company, and atmosphere to support that. Many details of the "yuletide" celebration here remind me that 'Christmas' was celebrated this time of the year before commercialism and even Christianity. December 21 marks the shortest day of the year by the sun's natural cycles, and it feels very important when living in a place like Norway that there is some event to break up the long cold and dark winter.

Not being particularly religious, I really appreciate the concept of celebrating the start of longer days and the eventual promise of winter's end. These years over Christmas I have been very aware of this aspect and find myself most enjoying the warmth of a fire, candlelight, baked goodies and hot cocoa/coffee. Further, in opening presents I find the excitement over them to be greatest when the gift is a thing that promises future fun, comfort, or coziness - the aspect of anticipated experiences being more interesting than the immediate gift (thing) itself. My new ice skates, Rolf's new skis and our mutual new hiking/camping equipment ensures that the rest of this winter and following year will be full of fun outdoor adventures, and for these I am particularly excited as we begin 2012 together.