Christmas, for me this year, is for the birds. It might be easy to assume I am feeling a bit hum bug about this most glorious time of the year, but that is certainly not the case. With Christmas gifts bought and sent to my family many miles away and plans made to visit with them on the 25th via technology, I find myself with pre-Christmas time on my hands. I do have my beloved husband and his sister here with me, however, they do not provide the same holiday bustle and excitement brought by children and grandchildren. So, I am spending much of my Christmas attention on the birds.
You see, I love birds. I read about birds, look at pictures of birds, follow bird sites on social media, feed and give water to the birds, and spend every morning drinking coffee and watching the birds. Perhaps most importantly though, I garden for the birds. If you came to my home this time of year, you might question the fact that I am a Master Gardener. Instead of a perfectly tended yard, mine is filled with piles of sticks and twigs to lend shelter, faded flowers that have been left without a winter trim, and, I have to admit, I just mowed the front of the property for the first time since the beginning of the year. All of this untidy mess for the sake of the birds.
I love living in rural Texas where I can enjoy the company of so many birds all year, but there is something magical about birds in December. The robins with their red breasts have shown up en masse and the cardinals have increased in number sporting their very best Merry Christmas red. The holly berries are being enjoyed, and I have strung garlands of cranberries and oranges to hang outside. I have even created a special Christmas tree made of juniper boughs full of berries, holly branches, natural garlands, and a hanging feeder full of seed.
Christmas, for me this year, is for the birds. They bring me peace and joy, and that is what I wish and pray for every one of you. Christmas peace and joy. Be kind to the birds and be loving to others.
Merry Christmas!