The Simple Luxuries in a Time of Isolation, a Commentary (A little late, I didn't see this one in the queue, here we go.....)

 

 In 1502 a German watercolor artist named Albrecht Duer painted this amazing piece! Known for its photographic accuracy, it is a piece that I would love to study in person. Currently on display in Vienna, it isn't likely that will happen! 

I have developed a recent interest for birds and other animals in watercolor. 

 This woodcut by the same artist, named The Holy Family with Three Hares, shows his amazing talent.

How can we enjoy the simple luxuries of the season with our current situation and restrictions? Well, that is sort of a personal perspective but I think it can be done. I think we can make this holiday season very special. Make it memorable, not just because of what we cannot do but because of what we can do!

No matter if you decorate with wild abandon and cover every surface with some type of Christmas ornament or choose a few pieces of greenery in special places and a bow or two, it is all good. The joy of the season is the process, the meaning, and the contentment we can achieve by  participating. 

While most of us will have very limited social contact, feel free to write real sentiments in your Christmas cards if you send them, make a phone call to an old friend just to touch base or to renew a stagnant relationship. Light a candle in a safe place and enjoy the flickering comfort of it's light knowing that it symbolizes the light of life that we are free to honor at any time of year but most certainly during the month of December. 

Consider a bubble bath, set up a little reading corner just for you and read something special. Consider pulling a nice picture book off the shelf and look at the subjects with a new eye. It might provide a new perspective for a future project. Design can reveal itself in so many ways. 

My new study, while not structured,official, or certified, is water colors by some artists mostly unknown to me. I examine the paintings with a new appreciation because I am concentrating on them. I have time. I have nowhere to go!

Do not let this time reduce your joy of the season, on the contrary, we may have been given this extra personal time to do just this. Reduce the personal stress of the holiday, reduce the burden of what is to be a time of study and reflection. 

• Unearth those cute little mugs you received as a gift years ago. Make cocoa. 
• Do you have some holiday doilies or dresser scarves (dating myself here) tucked away, take them for a quick little press if needed and put them where you can see them.
• Happy lights. These can be little lamps popped in unusual place, candles in the windows, or twinkle lights around the toilet. Have some fun, make your own fun.
• Christmas music, be it classical, pop, or just sentimental. Make a point to listen to some everyday. Not all day probably, maybe just on a low volume during dinner or while cleaning up the kitchen.
• When did you last make Chex Mix? Or a cheese ball? Or popcorn? Make a plan, change your routines. Make it special. 
• I had a friend who decorated every room in her house, every year, all the time. Going there was like stepping into a wonderland. Always much more elaborate than my mostly simple decor, it was a life's work in a way. She loved it. No matter what time of day the candles were lit, the lights on every tree were on, every table, mantle, counter, windowsill had a well curated display. It was not cluttered or junky, it was like a magazine display. She would have loved this year with so much extra time to decorate. So make the most of this opportunity, it can be your statment to the world, this will not ruin my holiday.