The trees are still standing.

I was born and raised in southern California. During the Christmas season, we would always have an evening where our family would drive to certain areas of town that were famous for decorating magnificently for Christmas every year. My favorite part of this annual outing was that we would always end our evening driving down the much-anticipated Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena where 135 huge deodar cedar trees line both sides of the street and all are strung with colored lights in December. The tradition of Christmas Tree Lane goes back to the 1920s. By the 1950s, when I experienced it, the trees were huge making the display of lights almost overpowering.

Christmas Tree Lane is still in operation today, and this last weekend was the official tree-lighting ceremony to launch the event. One person who has lived there all his life and attended every year said it was the biggest crowd ever. That’s because this was also part of the city devastated by the January fires which left entire neighborhoods reduced to ash and thousands homeless. Christmas Tree Lane was in the line of fire and yet the trees for some reason were spared. So this ceremony was the first time that this many neighbors gathered together since the tragedy. I think they were hoping the Christmas spirit and the camaraderie would drown out some of the sadness. And it did. There were many tears, but there was also much joy and laughter.

Speaking from a small podium, one of the representatives from the community pointed to where his brother’s house once stood and said, “The house burned to the ground but this tree is still standing. So we have something to rally around here. We still have this lane.” The newspaper reported that it was a celebration that was more like a memorial service. But when the spectacle of the lights lit up with a shout, the celebration won out.

One of the most notable comments came from one of the residents who lost his home, “We seem to have a shortage of joy these days. People need more joy, and we’re going to give it to them.”

Isn’t that the truth? And how significant that such a comment should come from someone who lost so much.

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For a message on how to handle both the good and the bad things that happen in our lives, visit last Sunday’s Church at the Catch at www.facebook.com/thecatch. And for those who might be having a hard time trying to find joy in the lights of Christmas this year, we recommend Marti’s poem, in case you missed it, “Twas the Night After Thanksgiving.”

’Twas the Night After Thanksgiving

by Marti Fischer

(For those who don’t feel “merry” yet)

’Twas the night after Thanksgiving, and all through the town,
The glitter shone upward while some hearts sank down.
The leftovers rested in dishes with care,
But a hush in my heart said, “I still need repair.”

For the world seemed to shimmer with lights glowing bright,
Yet my soul felt much dimmer beneath winter’s night.
While neighbors hung garlands and laughter rang loud,
My spirit fell quiet — and under a cloud.

For holidays promise that hearts will feel whole,
That lost things return and joy plays every role.
That families make peace and old wounds stitch anew,
And everyone sparkles in peppermint hue.

But grief has its timing and never keeps score;
It can sit at your table though you shut every door.
It tiptoes beside you when memories ache,
And hides in the shadows of another heartbreak.

So if sorrow comes drifting like frost on a pane,
Or the cold in the season seeps into your brain,
If sadness or weariness settles inside —
Dear heart, it is human. You don’t have to hide.

The days have grown shorter; the sunlight is shy.
The winter winds whisper and sometimes we cry.
Your feelings are honest — they’re nothing to fear.
They simply mean life has been heavy this year.

So light every candle and lamp you can find;
Let brightness slip gently through cracks in your mind.
Release all the pressure of perfection’s delight —
“Good enough” still warms any wintery night.

Say “No” when you need to, and “Yes” when you must“.
Take moments to rest and be quick to adjust.
Let peace be the gift that you give to yourself,
Not cookies baked perfectly on the top shelf.

Shop simpler this season, or don’t shop at all.
Let comfort shrink burdens that once felt too tall.
Create what feels joyful, ignore what does not;
And cherish the grace in the time that you’ve got.

Sip cocoa, drink water, stay steady and kind;
Let kindness, not cocktails, bring ease to your mind.
And reach for a friend when your spirit feels blue —
Because no one can go it alone, even you.

And then, in the quiet where sorrows reside,
A small spark of hope may come sit at your side.
Not grand or extravagant, flashy or bright —
Just a soft, steady glow in the heart of the night.

For healing grows slowly — one breath at a time,
One step and one kindness, one small peaceful rhyme.
Till suddenly somewhere between starlight and dawn,
You feel something lift that once weighed you down.

And perhaps, in that stillness, you’ll hear in the night,
A whisper of wonder, all gentle and bright —
A voice from the heavens saying you are all right
“Merry Christmas to you and to all, a good night.”