The following extract from Cecil Day-Lewis’ poem “The Christmas Rose” emotes well with this, my Thanksgiving cactus (schlumbergera truncata). It is more than 12 years old and so I have a great affection for it. However it barely bloomed at its expected Fall time but now the plant has decorated itself in bud and bloom like a Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgesii).
What is the flower that blooms each year
In flowerless days,
Making a little blaze
On the bleak earth, giving my heart some cheer?
Look! its white star, low on earth,
Rays a vision of rebirth.
Who is the child that’s born each year —
His bedding, straw:
His grace, enough to thaw
My wintering life, and melt a world’s despair?
Hushed your earth, full-starred your sky
For a new nativity:
Be born in us, relieve our plight,
Christmas child, you rose of light!
And I am indeed thankful for these beautiful blooms, for all the many gifts I have in my life and for the joy that Christmas brings to me and my family and friends.
PoetryPix 
Beautiful, farther than I thought to be. That second, wonderment in a sliver of focus. Then third, resolution introduces from where the seed will come. Together, the full story illuminates. thank you Laura
Thank you Neil for joining the dots between these weirdly photogenic blooms photos and your perception – the title perfectly fits how I’m seeing these blooms at this time of year
Very best wishes to you too Laura.
many thanks John
Merry Christmas and Mazel Tov, my dearest Laura, with love, light and
…vision of Rebirth!
❤️
Thank you Marina and may 2024 bring some exciting changes with your house moving plans
Ah, thank you so much, Laura! ❤️😘
Blessings Laura
And to you Paul –
❤️
Laura, your post beautifully captures the spirit of the season with Cecil Day-Lewis’ poignant poem and the enchanting transformation of your Thanksgiving cactus. The symbolism of rebirth and the heartfelt wishes for a happy Christmas resonate warmly. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with joy and all good things! 🎄✨
~David
And may you and your family find some peace and security again before too long, David
PS Am looking forward to visiting Tiberias again in Spring
Such a beautiful poem with your gorgeous images! Merry Christmas my friend!
Thank you Donna for stopping by with your good wishes – I hope you are having a good Christmas and that 2024 brings new opportunities