Christmas time is traditionally meant to be about peace on Earth, good will to all humankind. There’s something about a year’s ending—which in so many cultures is marked by Christmas’ celebratory meeting of the pagan with the ecclesiastical—that makes us wish for better, for the chance to reset. It doesn’t matter what faith system you belong to, or if indeed you claim a belief at all, we seem to share a need to carry forward something good into the New Year. What we carry forward may be small, personal, or private, yet it can symbolise something mighty. Like comfort, and hope.
For Paul, me and our boys, comfort and hope come with nurturing our bond with nature as much as possible. To embrace the healing power of being outdoors, in the ocean, walking in the bush, bringing fresh leaves into our house—just like the pagans did—and watching the stars, just like we’re told the shepherds and the Magi did in the Christmas story. Being in nature, listening to the waves, the wind, the rhythms of the Earth reminds us that we’re creatures of nature too, connecting us with everyone and everything else that’s a creature or living system of nature.
We live in the intimate and immense beauty of a natural world that grows, gives, nourishes and astonishes. Our wish for you is to feel the healing power of nature this Christmas time and onwards, and our family sends love to you all.
— Jess & Paul
