A bit like old Chinese wisdom
I-ching hexagram 41:
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
I-ching comments on hexagram 41:
One must draw on the strength of the inner attitude to compensate for what is lacking in externals; then the power of the content makes up for the simplicity of form. There is no need of presenting false appearances to God. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can be expressed.
Christmas this year has been like that. Nothing fancy, expensive or grand. It has been a time of few and simple gifts and it feels just fine. Eating the dishes of the normal fenno-swedish christmas dinner spread out over several days seems like a better way to do it nowadays. Dad doesn't eat that much and neither do I. ...both because of diabetes, probably. He tries to eat healthier to keep his blood sugar low and I'm trying to eat although my medication lowers my appetite. But the meals are nonetheless quite festive.
We also talk. We rarely find common ground enough for chitchatting, but it's easier over something good to eat (and drink). Our two apartments (left and right halves of a small house) feel like christmas but in a more intimate – and frugal – manner. Dad doesn't even have a tree. Mine will be dressed in a few days when the other half of the family arrives. The pesebre didn't get blessed this year but it was ready on display before dinner on xmas eve.
So it is christmas but tonight our small bowls were filled with mashed potatoes and varm red cabbage to go with the traditional pork sausages.
One may use two bowls for christmas too, apparently.