This year, I especially treasured the tradition of traveling to the Carolina mountains to choose and cut a Christmas tree. Shopping in small local shops and local holiday markets was perfectly delightful. The decorations were hung, the menu planned, and all preparations were underway. Then, I discovered that a close friend with whom I had spent an extensive amount of time was diagnosed with COVID. Not only was I extremely concerned for my friend, but with days before the big event, I found myself in quarantine. My holiday plans had come to a halt. The party was canceled. There would be no attending the annual Moravian Love Feast. For Christmas, my dog Gracie and I found ourselves home alone.

The months of November and December are always extremely busy for me. With all the holiday preparation and activities, I think they are for most folks. Often, however, haste does quite literally make waste. One day in November, I was pressed for time. I was running late for my class at the gym. Because I was in a hurry, I ran out and forgot my water bottle. “Not to worry,” I thought to myself, “I’ll pick up a bottle of water from the vending machine at the gym.” After my class I came home. I finished the last sips of water and dropped the empty plastic bottle into the trash can. I paused, looking at the bottle and felt a little guilty for adding another piece of plastic waste to the land field.

As we drove through the city of Winston-Salem, Gracie marveled at the lights of the city. Tanglewood Park is located in Forsyth County, just west of this metropolitan city. The 1,200-acre park is owned and operated by Forsyth County and is open year-round. It offers a variety of amenities including golf, swimming, BMX racing, horseback riding, RV campground, dog park, and for thirty years, the rolling countryside has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Enormous displays of whimsical winter scenes are a marvel for young and old alike. Folks from miles around come to the park to drive through this brilliant display. Over the years additional events have accompanied the festival, including the annual Running of the Lights and Paws in the Park. Information about all events and tickets can be found online at the Tanglewood Festival of Lights website.