The Circle ~ Pine and Promise

I would like to begin this post by thanking my dear friend, Roxana, for inviting me to join this special and meaningful Circle. Roxana, you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I have so enjoyed reading all of the contributions to this unique circle. Each one had a message that touched me. Thank you all. You’ve added extra joy to my holiday celebration.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”
~John Muir

The scent that defines my beliefs and brings most meaning to my holiday season is pine. To me, it stands alone as the single most significant element.



Nature is such an important part of my life, and my family’s life. It inspires all aspects of who I am. During the holidays, this inspiration takes the form of a pine tree and its scent. It symbolizes hope, growth, new beginnings, and perhaps most importantly, promise. Promise of a bright future, exciting and perhaps not yet known miracles to come, the possibilities that each and every one of us have to make our dreams come true.

Yes, I’m an optimist and yes, I’m a bit sentimental and sappy. But after all, what is there without hope and promise? I feel that life is about making our dreams a reality and finding our special niche, our unique talent. Taking that talent to the absolute peak of our ability, creating challenges for ourselves to become the best we can be. That’s the secret of happiness. Love yourself and that love will encircle everyone around you. What better time to renew our hopes and dreams than while sitting in front of our Christmas tree with all the promise infused in our senses?

“Why are there trees I never walk under
But large and melodious thoughts descend upon me?”
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, 1892

For a native southern Californian, there is no snow for the holidays. All the holiday traditions surrounding snow and signifiying the start of the holidays don't exist here. The pine tree and its scent is the tradition of Christmas for us. It's enough to give us all of our holiday spirit. It triggers the meaning of Christmas for my family.

That is what a simple miracle in nature, the pine tree, means to me. It’s sturdy, and can grow in the most impossible places; between magnificent boulders, out of the side of a sheer granite mountain. Yet they do grow and flourish.

“Who leaves the pine-tree, leaves his friend,
Unnerves his strength, invites his end.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The scent of pine has a magical effect on me. The holiday season doesn’t begin in my heart until we bring in that beautiful pine tree. The fragrance envelopes the house and fills me with every Christmas of my life. The lights are strung and the warmth and glow brings joy. We unwrap each ornament lovingly, like an old friend, and as we hang them, our tree whispers it’s memories, one by one as each ornament is hung. They’re like little memories on display intermingled with the scent of pine, reminding me of loved ones lost, new lives beginning, bittersweet thoughts of days I can’t bring back, but most of all they remind me of my life as a whole.

Our decorated Christmas tree is a story of my life. A story with a new chapter every year, a story of my loves, a story of how fortunate I am, and a story of the promise of tomorrow.

“It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in the recollections of our own life is associated with trees.”
~Wilson Flagg

No matter the size of the tree or the decorations. Your particular tree is a miracle of nature. The sight and scent of it will fill you with the spirit of joy, love and peace.

"I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.”

~Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas

In closing, I would like to wish each and every one of you a season of joy and happiness. May your New Year be filled with love, laughter, good health and prosperity. Keep the promise of growth and hope close to your heart…

Much love,

Dennice