I was fortunate to have several of my closest friends staying with us over the holidays. What I loved most was sitting around the dining table after we finished our meal. Banter flowed about topics as far-reaching and varied as movies to aging. I basked in the experience, because whether the dialog was light and silly or deep and meaningful, the moments were magical because of the interaction and connection to each other that the conversation created.
Get with others you love and have a conversation. You will find that there is nothing so magical as the connection and fun of those moments while you talk with your friends.
A Song for New Year’s Eve by William Cullen Bryant
Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.
The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.
The kindly year, his liberal hands
Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he stands,
Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.
Days brightly came and calmly went,
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was spent!
How sweet the seventh day’s rest!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One golden hour, and then away.
Dear friends were with us, some who sleep
Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we keep
Of all they said and did!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One tender hour, and then away.
Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.
XOXO Rachel
Wondrance 