This past week, while having a bout of insomnia, I watched the Patrick Stewart version of "A Christmas Carol." I hadn't seen this particular version before, although the older rendition has been a part of my Christmases for many years, and I did read the Dickens story in high school.
Everyone has their own way to approach the season. When our family was much larger, we'd spend much of our time decorating, baking, cooking, shopping, sending Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. All of it would culminate in a late night church service on Christmas Eve, followed by a morning of discovering what was in all those brightly-wrapped boxes under the tree.
As our human family dwindled over the years, our pet family grew. Our pets have always been an important and cherished part of our lives, and most took part in the Christmas holidays with gusto.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past
We may all bring the ghosts of Christmas into our hearts during the holiday season. It's hard NOT to think of friends, family and pets that have transitioned to spirit, especially if they were an integral part of celebrating Christmas.
For me, remembering family members and pets in special ways is important, whether it's burning a votive candle on their angel days, or looking through old photographs to spark memories, like the one below. This is where photographs become so very important in our lives.
The photo below became our Christmas card many years ago, featuring our dog, Burton. Burton was born deaf, but was a most willing participant in antler-wearing and would sit quietly just about anywhere if a treat was involved. I still have a few of these cards stored away in a "past cards" box, and every Christmas I go through the box to look back on the (mostly) pets featured.
It's kind of fitting that I am writing this blog on December 21st, which is the day we lost our lovely Moe. December is a month that could easily weigh our hearts down, due to pet and people losses. But, instead, we choose to celebrate their lives by remembering moments like the one below.
Everyone has their own way to approach the season. When our family was much larger, we'd spend much of our time decorating, baking, cooking, shopping, sending Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. All of it would culminate in a late night church service on Christmas Eve, followed by a morning of discovering what was in all those brightly-wrapped boxes under the tree.
As our human family dwindled over the years, our pet family grew. Our pets have always been an important and cherished part of our lives, and most took part in the Christmas holidays with gusto.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past
We may all bring the ghosts of Christmas into our hearts during the holiday season. It's hard NOT to think of friends, family and pets that have transitioned to spirit, especially if they were an integral part of celebrating Christmas.
For me, remembering family members and pets in special ways is important, whether it's burning a votive candle on their angel days, or looking through old photographs to spark memories, like the one below. This is where photographs become so very important in our lives.
The photo below became our Christmas card many years ago, featuring our dog, Burton. Burton was born deaf, but was a most willing participant in antler-wearing and would sit quietly just about anywhere if a treat was involved. I still have a few of these cards stored away in a "past cards" box, and every Christmas I go through the box to look back on the (mostly) pets featured.
It's kind of fitting that I am writing this blog on December 21st, which is the day we lost our lovely Moe. December is a month that could easily weigh our hearts down, due to pet and people losses. But, instead, we choose to celebrate their lives by remembering moments like the one below.
Our little deaf field setter, Burton, wearing his Christmas antlers.
The Ghosts of Christmas Present
Every one of our present dog family have been featured in our holiday lives in some way. Talley loves the outdoors and snow, so I try to capture her there. Lilah likes sending letters to Santa when she isn't whining about something. Luke's cute-as-a-button nose has been gracing the entrance to my studio since the photo was taken in 2016 (it's an acrylic), and both Billie and Piper have had their 15 minutes of fame (Billie is on my present business Christmas card to clients; Piper is Mr. May in our 2024 family calendar and has appeared in every family calendar since 2014).
Every one of our present dog family have been featured in our holiday lives in some way. Talley loves the outdoors and snow, so I try to capture her there. Lilah likes sending letters to Santa when she isn't whining about something. Luke's cute-as-a-button nose has been gracing the entrance to my studio since the photo was taken in 2016 (it's an acrylic), and both Billie and Piper have had their 15 minutes of fame (Billie is on my present business Christmas card to clients; Piper is Mr. May in our 2024 family calendar and has appeared in every family calendar since 2014).
Having just spent one of the busiest Christmas client seasons, capturing these same types of memories for families who love their dogs (my orders are all finalized and all will arrive in time for Christmas), it's the time of year when my grandkids are also featured in a studio Christmas photo (sometimes with one of our pets).
I often let them decide how they want to set up the photo, but my favorites are always the out takes, which I normally use on our personal Christmas card. This year, we went sans pet and opted for a large candy cane.
(Click on photos below to view them in a larger size.)
I often let them decide how they want to set up the photo, but my favorites are always the out takes, which I normally use on our personal Christmas card. This year, we went sans pet and opted for a large candy cane.
(Click on photos below to view them in a larger size.)
My grandkids have come to expect a Christmas memory, and that's a good thing.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
While we can't stop time from encroaching upon our strongholds of people and pets, we can use time to move us forward and learn new things.
Adding to an arsenal of already accumulated knowledge there are plenty of classes, both online and in person, that have peaked my interest.
Artificial Intelligence in no longer just "on the horizon." It has sailed into port. It's something I will be experimenting with in coming months, along with my new mirrorless camera.
But, most importantly, Christmas yet to come will see more building of a "family" of clients, making their experiences good ones, and giving them memories to last for many Christmases into the future.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come
While we can't stop time from encroaching upon our strongholds of people and pets, we can use time to move us forward and learn new things.
Adding to an arsenal of already accumulated knowledge there are plenty of classes, both online and in person, that have peaked my interest.
Artificial Intelligence in no longer just "on the horizon." It has sailed into port. It's something I will be experimenting with in coming months, along with my new mirrorless camera.
But, most importantly, Christmas yet to come will see more building of a "family" of clients, making their experiences good ones, and giving them memories to last for many Christmases into the future.
A black and white AI enhanced image of Lilah using a very old image.
Have a Merry
I am sending you happy and merry holiday wishes for whatever holiday you celebrate. Make sure you capture those special moments of the season, and if you haven't already, make a plan to visit a professional photographer and have them help you create lasting memories for your walls.
Merry Christmas!
I am sending you happy and merry holiday wishes for whatever holiday you celebrate. Make sure you capture those special moments of the season, and if you haven't already, make a plan to visit a professional photographer and have them help you create lasting memories for your walls.
Merry Christmas!
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