The holidays seem to be more hectic this year, perhaps because I had this idea that after we finished 
our Dec. 5 Town Council meeting and wouldn’t resume meeting until our work session on Jan. 9, I would have a month’s vacation. It didn’t work out that way.
Deadlines continued, as did advisory board meetings. Then there was Christmas shopping, baking, decorating, card-writing, and cleaning for guests. One night as I was making my way through a checklist of things I had to complete before I went to bed, I realized I had lost the joy of the season somewhere along the way.
So I put my list aside and drove over to Chandler’s Green. From Weaver Dairy Road, I turned onto Sunrise, then made a right onto Sweeten Creek. Two houses in on the right, there it was. The tree slathered in red lights. To me, that tree is visible joy. I parked in front of the house for a few minutes and refueled.
Every year on Christmas Eve, after the candlelight service, my family joins me on a holiday lights tour. We drive through various neighborhoods looking for the prettiest and most unusual lights. We’ve made a list of favorites over the years: Old Forest Creek never disappoints; Southern Village has lots to see as you get lost on its winding, intersecting roads; and Chandler’s Green homes seem to be on the cutting edge of holiday lights trends.
But there is something about that red tree that rejuvenates me. I’ve written about that tree before. The homeowner emailed me and said it takes two days to wrap the tree, certainly a tedious task. Maybe the fact that the homeowner goes to all that trouble to share a thing of beauty with the rest of the world is part of why the red tree restores my spirit.
This holiday season, I hope all of you find that restorative touchstone, something that resets your mood, your priorities, your energy and your resolve. Much awaits us in the year ahead. Let’s first find sanctuary in a respite of peace.
— Nancy Oates
