In Chania, Christmas slowly builds to fruition with an understated buzz. There is no frantic rush, just a pleasantly festive air with everyone wishing each other Xronia Polla - 'many years' or Kales Yiortes - 'happy holidays'. Oh, and the Red Bicycle cafe will have a barbecue and live music in the open air on Christmas Eve from about 11am, cunningly timed to catch the church crowd as they emerge from the early services at the cathedral and the Catholic church. Normally they head straight to the cafes for coffee. This time, they'll join a full-on party.
A few shops have a few cards, many of which look as though this is about their third Christmas on the rack. Turkey is hard to find, parsnips are like gold dust and Christmas pudding has never been heard of. But there is a great air of bonhomie, lots of sparkling lights and a few blasts of seasonal music.
This is the scene in front of the market building - not my photo but you can get a feel for the place and the lights.
I have borrowed a photo rather than downloading one of my own because I am in the throes of a computer crisis. Clearly I was getting a little far into the festive spirit and managed to spill some red wine on to my laptop keyboard. I've bought a cheap external keyboard and am hoping that this will work when the innards of the poor machine have dried out. Fingers crossed! Meanwhile, I am using the internet access in the reception area of the studios where I am staying.
Returning to my seasonal theme, we are now in the three day period of the Winter Solstice, the ancient festival of the turning of the year during which the bright light of flames was employed to invoke the continuing brightness and warmth of the sun for the season ahead. Yule tide is symbolised by holly, the shining king of winter trees, and by the white berries of mistletoe. Also a time to celebrate the barely visible start of new growth that will come to fruition in spring. All acknowledgements that we, as humans, fit right into the natural rhythm of the seasons, our hearts beating in resonance with Mother Earth.
These are the ancient origins of what we now call Christmas and in their spirit of joy and gratitude, I wish everyone a time of great sharing, love and warmth. May our hearts stay open and our happiness be complete in every moment.
A few shops have a few cards, many of which look as though this is about their third Christmas on the rack. Turkey is hard to find, parsnips are like gold dust and Christmas pudding has never been heard of. But there is a great air of bonhomie, lots of sparkling lights and a few blasts of seasonal music.
This is the scene in front of the market building - not my photo but you can get a feel for the place and the lights.
I have borrowed a photo rather than downloading one of my own because I am in the throes of a computer crisis. Clearly I was getting a little far into the festive spirit and managed to spill some red wine on to my laptop keyboard. I've bought a cheap external keyboard and am hoping that this will work when the innards of the poor machine have dried out. Fingers crossed! Meanwhile, I am using the internet access in the reception area of the studios where I am staying.
Returning to my seasonal theme, we are now in the three day period of the Winter Solstice, the ancient festival of the turning of the year during which the bright light of flames was employed to invoke the continuing brightness and warmth of the sun for the season ahead. Yule tide is symbolised by holly, the shining king of winter trees, and by the white berries of mistletoe. Also a time to celebrate the barely visible start of new growth that will come to fruition in spring. All acknowledgements that we, as humans, fit right into the natural rhythm of the seasons, our hearts beating in resonance with Mother Earth.
These are the ancient origins of what we now call Christmas and in their spirit of joy and gratitude, I wish everyone a time of great sharing, love and warmth. May our hearts stay open and our happiness be complete in every moment.
What is the crisis? Hope you are well and had a good Christmas x
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