The Joy of Christmas

Perhaps it was the result of having written honestly about my fears of pelvic radiotherapy, but somehow the joy of Christmas slipped into my heart.

I went shopping on the morning of Christmas Eve then saw 2 siblings for a quick lunch. Back for final Christmas shopping then home. I went for a short walk close to my flat at dusk and saw the Christmas lights - both indoor and outdoor. I saw Christmas trees through the windows. I imagined all the love and thought that had gone into buying all the presents that were now wrapped and under the trees.

I walked for an hour on Christmas morning, through the most exclusive residential streets in my city. It was ice cold, with a light blue sky and a soft sun. It was still and quiet - I love the stillness of late Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning. Some were packing their cars for visits to relatives. One group of early starters - 4 twenty somethings - were already at their friend's door. There were a few out walking or jogging - we respectfully and kindly wished each other a "Happy Christmas".

Somehow, the joy of Christmas had slipped into my heart. After the fear and confliction of the oncologists meeting it was great to feel the peace and joy of Christmas in my heart.