Since ancient times, people have observed days growing shorter and dreaded winter’s coming darkness, which culminates at winter solstice. These days, many of us barely notice this natural shift, but instinctively we light candles, fill our homes with tiny twinkling lights, and gaze at crackling fires—all in an effort to push back the darkness. Beyond being the shortest day of the year, winter solstice can be thought of as a time of change, when one era or year draws to a close and a new one dawns.
Some personal events parallel this natural cycle of transformation. My family is expanding—a welcome change—and our tradition of hosting several days of long elaborate holiday meals will evolve. Next year, there will be a little person in a highchair who won’t be able to sit still and wait while we linger over a second glass of wine. We’ll let go of our current traditions and invent new ones that are more kid-focused. That’s as it should be.
I’m also aware of another coming transformation. One of the writers’ groups I’ve been part of for 15+ years will change when a core member moves to Michigan. Because we write memoir and personal essays, we have shared our secrets and personal truths—first in stories with the group, later in writing launched into the big world. Consequently, we have developed an extra measure of trust and acceptance other friendships might not achieve. We support each other when our lives are troubled and when our writing stalls. We celebrate our personal triumphs and our publishing successes. The idea for the WordSisters blog came from this group—you’ve read our writing over the years.
Of course, we’ll continue to meet via Zoom. We’ll still share our stories and writing, provide encouragement, and offer personal and writerly advice. We’ve pledged to stay part of each other’s lives, but we all understand our current way of meeting is ending.
I’m at the cusp where I can see the past and the future—acknowledge what’s changing and welcome what’s coming next. My family and my writers’ group will move into a new era. In the natural world, the days will begin to grow longer and brighter minute by minute, and spring will arrive as it always does.
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8 responses to “Season of Change”
Change can be hard, even when it’s a change for the good. And congrats on the coming little one! That will mean lots of changes, but all for the good… Merry Christmas!
Thanks! I hope you have nice holidays!
Ellen, you hit on such a personal note re writers group and change. Our group was together almost 25 years and went through many changes, writing together which led to sharing secrets and personal truths. We wrote a book to cover and share this type of journey (Telling Tales and Sharing Secrets). This time of years can bring to mind and heart reflections of all kinds. Thank you so much for this post.
Thanks for reading. The change to the writers’ group is hard. The trust and rapport is a gift that we’ll try to foster in a new format, but it’s a loss. I appreciate hearing from someone who understands.
A wonderful essay embracing the evolution of life, Ellen. May you enjoy the expansion in the coming year!
Thank you!
Yes we may feel rushed at the end of year holidays. But we need to realize the joy the lights and gatherings bring us. It help us cope with more natural darkness. I try to not obsess and just let the holidays happen. Sure glad we’re on our way to spring.
Thanks for your kind words. Actually, I’m not that stressed by by the shorter days, and I love the little twinkling lights. It’s more that I’m acknowledging how much the natural world affects us–whether we realize it or not. I hope you have nice holidays!