Text and images Britt Arnhild Wigum Lindland
I used to love these days leading up to Christmas (well, I still do). As a girl I pretended my bedroom to be Santa's workshop, and I made long lists of all I had to do before Christmas. I can feel this old bustle creeping up my legs, into my heart these days. The same good, old feeling. It is easy to recognise it as I meet it in Marta every day. She is busy these days, and she loves it.
Last night Terje and I sat at the diningtable making alist a mile long for the grocery shopping we need to do for the holidays, when Marta came up from the basement where her bedroom is. "Mamma, can you please help me to wrap this gift, it must be mailed to Sunniva tomorrow. I am so busy, there is now way I'll make it all before Christmas." Then she laid down on the floor, cozily, as she loves to do, starting to tell us all about her to do-list. In the middle of all this Ingrid arrived. Marius, Ingrid's boyfriend, has travelled home to spend the holidays with his parents, and in a day or two Ingrid will come home to stay here over the holidays. Marta is thrilled knowing that all her siblings will be home, surrounding her with their love, and now she and Ingrid started to talk about the preparations they will do together the coming days.
Terje and I listened, looking at each other, smiling, wrapping ourselves up in the heartwarming feeling that we are living, here, now. Then, suddenly we both realised - Christmas is here, SOON......... Will there be time enough for all when we have to do?
"Girls" Terje said, "shall we drive over to Granåsen to buy the Christmas tree?"
And off they went (and I could give myself an hour for writing)
The photos are from Sunday, Christmas trees at the Christmas market downtown.
Thanks for your name suggestions for my writing room. I am still seeking for the right name.......
