Farmall of Us To You...

As Christmas approaches, I am making it a point to photograph scenes that make me think about the preparations we make to celebrate the holiday.  It's a bit of street photography blended with a Hallmark flavor.  

I am enjoying the experience because it is similar to peeking at your Chrismas presents before December 25th. Like gifts from childhood days, they are hidden among ordinary everyday scenes and sometimes in strange settings.  I am looking for the traditional Christmas stuff, but I am seeking to sample all the joys, colors, moments of quiet contemplation, confusion, and irony which are all part of Christmas.  In the Christmas carole "Joy To The World"  the phrase "prepare Him room" appears and I never gave it much thought since the Christmas star and the visit of the wise men bearing gifts seemed to present a more intriguing picture. However, "preparing Him room" is my way of finding peace by resisting the rush and distractions of the season and seeking to find joy in the present not giving way to the glitz of parties, shopping and getting. 

The photo that I chose this week was found in the countryside near me.  This rusted 1947 Farmall tractor was sitting out beside a farm house while it was being decorated with Christmas lights by the farmer and his daughter.  They were experiencing the joy of creating something beautiful with someone dear.  Their task was special because it honored the Christmas tradition while strengthening their loving relationship.   Only at Christmastime can those ordinary pieces be reimagined and embellished "to prepare room" for the spirit of Christmas to return.