A Season to Celebrate with Balance

Some weeks ask us to walk a little lighter, to lift our eyes toward whatever reminds us that joy is still possible. As July approaches, I find myself thinking about the kind of freedom that doesn’t shout — the kind that moves steadily, kindly, and with love at its center. In the Valley, that spirit takes shape in Bernie, Holly, and Sophie, marching forward with the same quiet courage I’m trying to hold onto in my own life.

We witnessed the convergence of two special moments last week—Father’s Day and the summer solstice. Even though each moment lasts only twenty‑four hours, I think most will agree that the feelings tied to each event linger long after the day has passed.

Our emotional connection with those we love never ends, and in some cases, losing them deepens our appreciation of that love. As Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, “’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Love is eternal… as is light.

Last week we touched upon the theme of balance, and I sensed that it needed to return this week. For a good part of my life, I seemed to live by two hallmark moments. It was a cyclical experience. One moment I couldn’t wait for the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year holiday season. As soon as that passed, I was impatiently waiting for summer.

That was not a very balanced approach to life… it was like giving away half of a year. Some challenging seasons, and the eventual loss of loved ones, shifted my perspective. I am not always successful, but I do my best to place myself at the fulcrum point on the see‑saw of life.

There are three points of view that we can embody: optimism, realism, and pessimism. Realism is the balance of optimism and pessimism. There are moments when a realist looks at a situation and recognizes that not only is something not possible, but based on real circumstances, it’s not probable. If we stop at that point, we slide down the see‑saw toward absolute pessimism. But if we take that moment, assess what we can do, and work toward the next best step, we are using the vision of optimism to bring ourselves back to center.

For me, after the holidays, the first day of summer was the next best moment to celebrate. I can’t quite put my finger on the “why,” because I feel it is a collection of moments that inspired my love of summer:

• Maybe having a summer birthday hardwired my emotional connection.
• Perhaps having a mom who loved having us home from school created an emotional spark. She was present in our lives every day, but in the summer there was no school, homework, or long‑term assignments to interrupt that relationship.
• Possibly it was the realization that Mom and Dad would take a loan in order to give us incredible vacation memories—and then work hard to pay it back.
• And just maybe, it was what seemed like endless days of daylight and freedom compared to the winter months.

While I still love the season of summer, my values have shifted more toward center. I love daylight—it just seems to give us more time to live. What I have discovered, though, is that light comes in many forms.

We need to learn to seek that light through every season. Just as we know the sun is shining behind the clouds, light is present every day. I have a wonderful activity planned for November that focuses specifically on light—not just daylight, but the many types of light in our lives and the ways we choose to carry them.

Yes, we may have just experienced, in the northern hemisphere, the longest period of daylight this year. The realist accepts that as a scientific fact and tempers it with a little optimism and determination to spend each day with love and joy. The pessimist understands the same fact but begins to miss the light of every day that follows, focusing only on the gradual loss of daylight.

A little blend of realism and optimism can go a long way throughout the year. Carry the light… carry the love… carry the joy. Each today leads to a sweet yesterday and a promise of tomorrow.

As I encourage each of us to live each day to its fullest, I also believe in using a little of today to look forward and backward. In just a few days, the USA will be celebrating its 250th birthday. Take a quick look back at what you did during last year’s Fourth of July holiday. If you celebrated, consider adding a little something special for this hallmark birthday moment. It is a memory your children can carry forward to the 300th birthday fifty years from now.

If you’re looking for simple, joyful ideas that keep celebration balanced and meaningful, you might enjoy revisiting Blog #8 and Blog #9, where I shared ways to celebrate without pressure or overspending.

There is an old saying that practice makes perfect, and it has often proven itself to be true. What if I suggested that this smaller Fourth of July gathering is a wonderful springboard to a slightly bigger gathering? Have you ever celebrated Christmas in July? Now might be the best time to start. Maybe you are shaking your head and saying, “No way—once a year is enough.” I understand, but please allow me to explain my way of thinking.

First, reflect on the reasons for your resistance. Let me guess at a few:

• It takes too much time to prepare.
• It costs too much.
• You can’t please everyone.
• Children expect too much.
• It’s too hot to cook big meals.
• You don’t want the “burden” on your shoulders again.
• Summer is supposed to be fun and low‑key.

I could continue adding to this list, but I know I’ve highlighted some of the most impactful reasons. While none of these reasons are imaginary, it doesn’t mean they have to define your experience.

There is a better way… a way that brings balance for you and your family. I am fairly certain that if you begin practicing a new approach to this celebration, you will transfer your newly acquired skills to every gathering—little or large.

Throughout the next three weeks, I will be sharing useful tips for summertime holiday travel destinations, Christmas crafts with a summer theme, Christmas meals with a summer makeover, and a simple, low‑cost Christmas in July gift idea. If you wait until the big holidays arrive, you won’t feel as skillful navigating them with joy… loving the memories that are made.

If you would like to find balance and joy, let’s visit together again next week. In that short post, I will begin sharing ideas you can think about—and hopefully decide to try.

Speaking of balance and joy, our friends from the valley know exactly how to live with those feelings. Uncle Bernie, Holly, and Sophie have been revealed and hope to find a place in your heart. Each breed—St. Bernard, Samoyed, and Golden Retriever—reflects characteristics that blend lovingly together, keeping the valley harmoniously balanced. We can learn from them… and from each other.

This week’s puzzle piece is another section of the water hole—blue, cool, and inviting. Won’t you come and see? 🌹

If you are a new visitor to the world of Evergreen Yuletide, I would love to share the benefit of subscribing to my newsletter. Your name is never sold—my privacy policy is available for you to read. Once you subscribe, you receive your private password to enter Your Secret Garden, found only at Evergreen Yuletide. Free gifts await you and are added monthly.

This month, garden gifts include a 250th photo holder to mark your celebration. You are also receiving a commemorative portrait featuring three of our friends who have been revealed from the valley. Your gifts never disappear. They are ready when you are.

Wherever this week takes you, I hope you find a moment to walk a little lighter and notice the gentle freedoms woven into your days. The valley and I will be here next Sunday, ready to welcome you back with another story of light and love.