"But it is a home now, however ephemeral that might be." -- Yes, this is it. Home is a feeling, not a place, as you rightly say. This has always been the case for me as well. That feeling comes from your things, wherever you lay them, and your presence. And you shouldn't feel guilty about your child having already spent three Christmases in three different countries. This is life, and his generation will likely be even more mobile than ours. Maybe this evolution is a message from the universe, reminding us that being attached to the physical isn't the right way to go. Who knows
Thanks so much for the kind words, Silvio. I guess we always question these choices...it's good to connect with people who have this sentiment. I wonder if it creates some kind of subtext of feeling/perspective in writing, even when not the subject? I think of you and Nathan, Jeffrey, others I have encountered.
Mostly I love the effect, for both me and my son, but of course there are two sides to everything and that uprootedness can feel strange. Here we are back near Boston now and everything feels as familiar as it did as a child.
“I wonder if it creates some kind of subtext of feeling/perspective in writing, even when not the subject?” — I think it does. Interesting question , though. Enjoy your holidays and Buon Natale!
"But don’t we carry home with us?" Yes. This. Even though we may feel guilty about bereaving our young of this sense of home when, in truth, it doesn't matter that much where we are as long as we are together as a family. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful and moving, Kate. I echo the sentiments of others here.
You shouldn't feel guilty about moving around so much for your boy at six. What wonderful experience for him. How cultured and enriched he will no doubt already be and continue to become.
We take home with us, for it is a feeling and what we make of our surrounds and how we inhabit it.
Wishing you and the family an advanced Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Wonderful post! Unrooted childhoods... I can relate to that. Thinking back about how many times I had moved home ~ while on the move at the age of 40 ~ I counted 20. My first move happened when I was barely one year old, the second at age 3, and so forth... one move every two years on average.
It did feel unsettling at times. And at the same time, it's such an opportunity to get to see the world, experience different landscapes, cultures, languages, at a young age. In the end it leaves only gratitude.
Very best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year 🌲 🕯️
So wonderful to hear about the benefits of moving around in childhood! I have been at it since I left university, but do wonder about children. At the same time, many of my students have done the same and seem to have great perspectives not only on world issues but on exploring their locale, culture, and making friends.
Happy Christmas to you, Veronika! And thank you :)
Thanks for this DKW! I like hearing about the challenges and experiences you are having in your transition to a new role and new locale. Really really good work here to bring us into the experience, love how your past and the seasons are shaping and contextualizing it. Beautiful piece.
Oh, Kate — how much I’ve missed these personal reflections of yours! What a gorgeous, hushed meditation on the familiar and the alien this time of year. Reminds me of the Christmas I spent in Southeast London (Crystal Palace) when I was studying at the Royal Academy — all of the lights, decorations, and music were familiar, but none of the streets, shops, or people were. So disorienting!
From cold, snowy Minnesota, I’m wishing you and your family safe travels and lovely holidays in New England! 💙
Thanks so much, Michael! I’ve missed the time for this kind of writing as well.
We nearly went to Minneapolis to see my brother this year. Maybe next year! And Crystal Palace is very close by! Must have been lovely memories there with so much music happening as well.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and the snow is beautiful! ☃️ 💙
I live in my home county of Devon , but 24,years ago I lived in a small house in Beckenham. It was off the Croydon Rd opposite the park. We had to work in London as my late partner was my newspaper sub-editor. Iiked it,but it has changed since then apparently, and anyway I have always been a country girl. Your piece brought back some happy memories.
Your piece was excellent, I just want to be able to say that I knew her when she started, I am convinced you are going to be a very well known and appreciated writer.
You would like Devon, I'm sure and Devon folk always welcome visitors that have family links to Devon. We all understand that generations have been forced to leave the county for work.
Lovely memories. “Filled with our things and our breath” says it all. We’re new to this house too, and it feels good to see the old familiar tree ornaments in a new setting. Safe travels!
You capture the creation of home in this piece so beautifully, we place so much on physicality of bricks - or whatever. When reading 'I feel like an Alien' It reminded me of the poem by Margaret Atwood 'The Moment' she compares ownership with visiting, and that got me thinking about psychology of ownership and minimal self - it's beyond my basic philosophical understanding but there's this idea that what we can control can be seen as part of self - and I though it curious that you mentioned the trinkets that you carry with you from space to space.
"But it is a home now, however ephemeral that might be." -- Yes, this is it. Home is a feeling, not a place, as you rightly say. This has always been the case for me as well. That feeling comes from your things, wherever you lay them, and your presence. And you shouldn't feel guilty about your child having already spent three Christmases in three different countries. This is life, and his generation will likely be even more mobile than ours. Maybe this evolution is a message from the universe, reminding us that being attached to the physical isn't the right way to go. Who knows
Thanks so much for the kind words, Silvio. I guess we always question these choices...it's good to connect with people who have this sentiment. I wonder if it creates some kind of subtext of feeling/perspective in writing, even when not the subject? I think of you and Nathan, Jeffrey, others I have encountered.
Mostly I love the effect, for both me and my son, but of course there are two sides to everything and that uprootedness can feel strange. Here we are back near Boston now and everything feels as familiar as it did as a child.
Merry Christmas!
“I wonder if it creates some kind of subtext of feeling/perspective in writing, even when not the subject?” — I think it does. Interesting question , though. Enjoy your holidays and Buon Natale!
"But don’t we carry home with us?" Yes. This. Even though we may feel guilty about bereaving our young of this sense of home when, in truth, it doesn't matter that much where we are as long as we are together as a family. Merry Christmas!
Wise words! And you are yet another migratory friend.
Merry Christmas, Alexander!
Migratory indeed! Happy holidays to you and fam!
Beautiful and moving, Kate. I echo the sentiments of others here.
You shouldn't feel guilty about moving around so much for your boy at six. What wonderful experience for him. How cultured and enriched he will no doubt already be and continue to become.
We take home with us, for it is a feeling and what we make of our surrounds and how we inhabit it.
Wishing you and the family an advanced Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
I think you are right, Nathan! Merry Christmas to you over there.
Beautiful. I love your custom of a Santa fly-by with the stockings in one home before travelling to another 💕
I hope you and your family have a lovey Christmas - let's catch up in the new year!
Thanks Kate!
Yes, definitely, we should do it in person soon as well 🤗
my approach is: home is where you make it.
merry christmas and a happy new year!
I would love to see a photo essay on the topic 👀 Thanks and Happy Christmas to you!
I find your mother's decision to spend Christmas with her mother-in-law so kind, the true spirit of the season. Happy Holidays, Kate!
It was very kind. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Troy!
Wonderful post! Unrooted childhoods... I can relate to that. Thinking back about how many times I had moved home ~ while on the move at the age of 40 ~ I counted 20. My first move happened when I was barely one year old, the second at age 3, and so forth... one move every two years on average.
It did feel unsettling at times. And at the same time, it's such an opportunity to get to see the world, experience different landscapes, cultures, languages, at a young age. In the end it leaves only gratitude.
Very best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year 🌲 🕯️
So wonderful to hear about the benefits of moving around in childhood! I have been at it since I left university, but do wonder about children. At the same time, many of my students have done the same and seem to have great perspectives not only on world issues but on exploring their locale, culture, and making friends.
Happy Christmas to you, Veronika! And thank you :)
Thanks for this DKW! I like hearing about the challenges and experiences you are having in your transition to a new role and new locale. Really really good work here to bring us into the experience, love how your past and the seasons are shaping and contextualizing it. Beautiful piece.
Thanks so much, Brian!
Happy holidays to you and your family. Hope all is well.
Oh, Kate — how much I’ve missed these personal reflections of yours! What a gorgeous, hushed meditation on the familiar and the alien this time of year. Reminds me of the Christmas I spent in Southeast London (Crystal Palace) when I was studying at the Royal Academy — all of the lights, decorations, and music were familiar, but none of the streets, shops, or people were. So disorienting!
From cold, snowy Minnesota, I’m wishing you and your family safe travels and lovely holidays in New England! 💙
Thanks so much, Michael! I’ve missed the time for this kind of writing as well.
We nearly went to Minneapolis to see my brother this year. Maybe next year! And Crystal Palace is very close by! Must have been lovely memories there with so much music happening as well.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and the snow is beautiful! ☃️ 💙
I'll keep my fingers crossed that your holiday travels bring you to Minneapolis next year!
Possibly even this summer! I’ll keep you posted.
Kate,
This is so beautifully written. Love you all!
Merry Christmas, Lori!
I live in my home county of Devon , but 24,years ago I lived in a small house in Beckenham. It was off the Croydon Rd opposite the park. We had to work in London as my late partner was my newspaper sub-editor. Iiked it,but it has changed since then apparently, and anyway I have always been a country girl. Your piece brought back some happy memories.
Oh wow, Clare, that's so lovely to hear.
I have distant family in Devon and have yet to visit. Sounds like a wonderful place.
Happy holidays!
Your piece was excellent, I just want to be able to say that I knew her when she started, I am convinced you are going to be a very well known and appreciated writer.
You would like Devon, I'm sure and Devon folk always welcome visitors that have family links to Devon. We all understand that generations have been forced to leave the county for work.
Happy Christmas, the first in your new home.
What a wonderful thing to say. Thank you. 💜💜💜
I look forward to visiting Devon one day!
Lovely memories. “Filled with our things and our breath” says it all. We’re new to this house too, and it feels good to see the old familiar tree ornaments in a new setting. Safe travels!
Hope you are settling in well! Thanks, Julie. All fine here. My son up at 2:30 am as expected haha.
What a beautiful update. I am pleased to hear that you are Loving the Alien. 💛
Have a lovely Christmas 🎄
Oh, so alien!!
But yes, absolutely. Happy Christmas, Jules! Look forward to catching up on some of your cultural posts that are so joyful to read.
You capture the creation of home in this piece so beautifully, we place so much on physicality of bricks - or whatever. When reading 'I feel like an Alien' It reminded me of the poem by Margaret Atwood 'The Moment' she compares ownership with visiting, and that got me thinking about psychology of ownership and minimal self - it's beyond my basic philosophical understanding but there's this idea that what we can control can be seen as part of self - and I though it curious that you mentioned the trinkets that you carry with you from space to space.