Holiday Cheer Grows Here
I just love this time of year. Our front porch is bursting with festive, red poinsettias. This favorite, bold and bright holiday plant signals that the season of cheer is here. Maybe your favorite is a Christmas cactus or an amaryllis. Perhaps the fresh scent of wreaths, garlands, or trees brings this season to life for you.
The changes in the seasons and blooms are often tied to memories and traditions. Poinsettias remind me of the holiday season because my childhood home always had poinsettias in December. They remind me of decorating the house for the season and adding that little, extra festive joy. When the days shorten and poinsettias get 12 hours of darkness, they change their leaves from green to their signature bold, bright red. When the poinsettias hit the stores, I bring home that little, extra joy and connection to cherished memories and traditions.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, we carve out time during the holidays to be with loved ones, to share gifts with one another, and make lasting memories. My family will forever have memories of time together at Lightscape, singing along with the songs, being awed by the displays, and roasting marshmallows for s’mores. We have so much fun just being together in an atmosphere that brings joy, laughter, chatter, and lots of photos.
During this time, the poinsettias and firs remind me that it’s time that we look back at all the good of the year and out at all the good in this beautiful world. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Claudia Gee Vassar, President & General Counsel
———-
Read the December 2022 e-newsletter for more, including facts about mistletoe; horticulture help for winterizing your home garden; the story of a group of University of Houston students who value their volunteer time at the Garden; and a blog post by a grateful recipient of a gift membership to the Garden.