It was really warm today. It is December, it isn’t supposed to be this warm. I love it, but my son was commenting on how difficult it was to get in the spirit of Christmas with it so warm. The good thing about it being so warm, we were able to fully enjoy the day.
The jeep group that I am a member of had our Christmas party today. We gathered at a small restaurant and enjoyed a meal and great company. Jeeps of various color and types filled the nearby parking. Up front, was the Jeep donation trailer, inside were the collection of soups and drinks going to a local cancer group. Hearts and wallets had been opened and blessings shared.
After we had eaten, we were socializing happily when one of my contacts decided to channel a serrated knife blade. To say I was in agony, was an understatement. (I wear rigid contacts) My son, took charge and got us home so I could take the demon contact out and find my old glasses. We then quickly made our way to the designated meeting place to drive through our local Christmas Town as a group.
Arriving first we parked and waited. When a second jeep showed up and parked my son, being who he is, immediately got out of the car and went to talk with the occupants. Within minutes, he was back to get me and introduce me to his new friends. It didn’t take long before we felt on the same page. Conversation flowed easily as we discussed various topics, jeep related mostly but not solely.
Soon the rest of the group began to arrive and line up. My son moved my jeep down to where the others were lining up, preparing for the drive through. When the notification horn sounded, we headed for our jeeps and made ready to roll.
As we pulled out onto the roadway, it was obvious quickly that we were going nowhere quickly. Traffic was a very slow go as we made our way toward town.
That was when my son made his comment about how warm it was. The nice thing, I could put the window down and enjoy the sounds of the season. While the lights didn’t make sounds, there was music playing, people walking, talking among themselves, and there was Santa. You could hear Santa’s laugh and shouts of Merry Christmas for blocks.
Cars passing, loaded with kids, trucks pulling wagons or filled with kids in the bed, tucked in with blankets and enjoying the sight. Many of them also shouting out the greeting of Merry Christmas. One could not help but respond with a greeting of their
own.
Thanks to all the problems with the pandemic, there were some areas not lit. Those who chose to walk were asked to not congregate in groups.
Still, there was the magic that fills that small town every year at this time. Simple things. A drive through a small town, enjoying the sights and sounds. Seeing the imagination and creativity used to present a wonderful display of lights and decorations. Transforming the ordinary into magical. Filling the dark of the night, with bright colors and lights. Symbols of the season at every glance. One didn’t even mind that the ride was slow. It gave you more time to enjoy what was along the route.
The lights, the sounds and the laughter of the children. There was the awe and the warmth you feel at the sight. There was a special peace in your heart.
There, was the reason for the season.
Words from The Dirt Road 