“There’s a road that I remember leading to a special place
Where the door was always open to a smiling face
There’s a picture on the mantle of a boy that looks like me
It’s always the same, there’s a stocking with my name”
In my brother’s pre-kindergarten “yearbook” they asked all the kids their favourite song. The predicable children songs litter the pages except for Mark Symes. He said “A Candle in the Window” by Alabama.
I’m the Great Grandson of a Subsistence Farmer and the Grandson of a Roofer – a first-generation entrepreneur.
The seasonal nature of work, meant that for our family, Christmas was the only time the world slowed down long enough to spend some meaningful time together. And we traveled up that country road every year with the exception of one on Christmas Eve. That land has been in our family since the first Symes landed in North America. Five years ago, my brother and I bought the land from my grandparents to keep it in the family for generations to come.
“Maybe it’s just wishful thinking I can hear the sleigh bells ring
Almost taste the pie she’s baking, it’s Christmas Eve”
This year, we will once again make the pilgrimage to that road and that special place. My grandmother’s cooking will fill the air as we arrive on the 24th. The land, her house, and her warmth provided all of us with the psychological safety to find our way. I feel so blessed to share this little piece of heaven with my daughters.
“Wherever the years may take me no matter how far I go
There’s going to be a candle burning, it’s always nice to know
It don’t take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart.”
I hope you get the chance to sink into the holidays. Take a look back at what you’re curating, creating, and celebrating with those who mean the most to you. There will be time for reflection and a full recommitment to the goals and ambitions of 2025.
But for the next few days, I hope you slow down and enjoy the abundance of life and the true riches – Time with those you love.
