It seems paradoxical that the quintessential Christmas plant comes to North America from the tropics. Yes, the poinsettia’s heat and vivid color originate in Mexico. The cheerful flowers so delighted Joel Roberts Poinsett, first United States Minister to Mexico, that he introduced it here in 1825, and it has reigned ever since as THE Christmas flower.
A dinner guest brought us this blooming specimen a few days before Christmas. I’m glad I caught its splendor on the camera right away, because the combination of a chilly house and my own notorious black thumb has proved lethal. Alas, as of this morning, Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, this particular poinsettia is no more. It exists only as a happy memory.
But life consists in great part of memories, hopefully of mostly happy ones. And so, my friends, I wish you all many happy memories of the season, however you celebrate the Season of Return of the Light — as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or as you like it. May your memories be colorful and cheerful and lovely, and may they flourish long in the treasure chambers of your hearts.
Touch2Touch 
Yeah, we seem to have snagged our traditions from all over the world! So true that we need to enjoy what’s happening while it’s happening. Some moments slip by way too quickly.
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Your adventure in France really presents you with challenges/opportunities to seize the moments.
Look forward to sharing some of those moments with you!
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What a beautiful flower! And a wonderful reminder that like the splendour of the poinsettia, we must learn to enjoy the moment. Wishing you and The Hubs a Happy New Year filled with happiness and good health!
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To you and your guy as well — especially good health!
Happy and Merry and Bright —
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Happy Christmas! How beautiful.
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Much anticipated, much enjoyed, a happy time.
Like New Year’s is for you, I think.
Akemashite no omedetoo!
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Hope you had a great Xmas and happy NY to you.
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Thanks so much, and likewise, Mrs. C.
When the frantic festivities finally end, in 2014, I’ll be back on my own blogs and visiting on yours. Till then, cheers, Dear!
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What a delightful burst of color Judith! Best wishes to you and your family for many light filled wonderful years!
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And the same to all members of the Kuche Family!
🙂
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What a glorious red!. No wonder this flower epitomizes Christmas – and all things cheerful and wonderful. Good wishes for a very happy new year! Virginia
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Thanks, Virginia.
Now I just need renewed energy to plunge back into blogging. From something more cheerful than a blizzard !!!!!!!!
Oh, well, blizzard shmizzard, Happy New Year to you and yours!
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Best wishes to you Judith. One of my old friends, now sadly passed on, used to wish us the Condiments of the Seasoning 😉 In southern Africa Poinsettia’s can be found as trees though I assume they are imports rather than indegineous.
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That is a marvelous thing to be remembered for, having coined the Condiments of the Seasoning!
Anything that creates a big smile — is grand. 🙂
(I’ll have to look up and see if poinsettias grow as trees in Mexico —)
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Poinsettias are as close as I get to liking the color red… I love the pink ones. A bit of red would look lovely against the great sweep of snow outside my window. Happy New Year!
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I reconcile myself to the snow by imagining you — in a heavy red sweater? well, probably not — striding out in your snowshoes! Happy New Year, Pauline, and Happy Winter!
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