I’m writing this post on Sunday afternoon (the Sunday before Christmas). I go to early mass (8 a.m.) On the way into mass this morning a guitar player was rushing across the lawn carrying her guitar. I waited by the door to hold it open for her. Well, Father L was nearby and waved. I waved back. The guitarist smiled at Father L and came rushing past me. I said, “Good morning.” She answered, “Father saw me. I’m late.” I answered, “Busted, but I’ll cover for you.” I thought she’d laugh. No, she disappeared into the church to join the music group. Funny how little things can upset us and make our stomachs twirl. In the whole scope of one’s life can the world’s greatest scientists using the world’s most sophisticated instruments measure the importance of her being five minutes late for practice? I thank her for the lesson. Some things are not worth giving a second thought. Don’t let then get hold of you.
Christmas
It’s What I’ve Always Wanted
I can give things for Christmas, and I do. Things are important, not so much for the thing I give, but for the symbolism of the giving. When I give a gift it symbolizes that the person receiving the gift is important to me. Receiving a gift is much more important than the giving. If I focus on the thing I get as a gift, chances are I’ll be disappointed. It doesn’t fit. I don’t like the color. I don’t need this, etc. That may all be true. Another way to look at is, for each gift we receive, someone took the time to think of us. Being thought of is a powerful action. It means that I see you and I want to share something with you. It is a recognition of our deeper human connection. On Christmas day when I am with my family and I open a gift and feel my daughter and her family looking me, I’ll say as I open it, “Ah, I love it, a sweatshirt with a large dinosaur on front and its tail on the shirt’s back. It’s what I’ve always wanted.” I’ll slip the sweatshirt on, it may be the only time I wear it. Merry Christmas. Spread the joy and love and peace.
Make Every Day a Christmas Day
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” — Janice Maeditere
Make Every Day a Christmas Day
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” — Janice Maeditere
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day ~ A Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
‘There is no peace on earth, ‘ I said
‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.’
Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Peace on Earth
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” — Norman Vincent Peale
Christmas Eve ~ A Poem by Eugene Field
Christmas Eve
Eugene Field
Oh, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
The evening shades are falling,–
Hush thee, my dear, dost thou not hear
The voice of the Master calling?
Deep lies the snow upon the earth,
But all the sky is ringing
With joyous song, and all night long
The stars shall dance, with singing.
Oh, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
And close thine eyes in dreaming,
And angels fair shall lead thee where
The singing stars are beaming.
A shepherd calls his little lambs,
And he longeth to caress them;
He bids them rest upon his breast,
That his tender love may bless them.
So, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
Whilst evening shades are falling,
And above the song of the heavenly throng
Thou shalt hear the Master calling.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
A bit over a week until Christmas. The front desk person at the gym was wearing a Santa hat yesterday. When I saw her I said, “Santa, I’ve been a good boy, but don’t ask my mom.” We had a laugh over that one. I enjoy the holiday season. My tree is up (it’s artificial). I strung lights around it and have a few decorations on it. I light it the first thing in the morning and it stays lit until I go to bed. I have a manger scene underneath. The three wise men on their camels are off a bit. I like to move them a little closer to the manger each day. Nearby on a stool is a stuffed white whiskered old cowboy, hat, red bandana, boots and all. I call him Windy Bill after a character in a western Christmas song. He keeps a eye on the tree. While I’m cooking dinner I stream Christmas music. I pretty much like them all. I don’t play Blue Christmas. That’s a road I don’t want to walk down. Hope you’re enjoying the season as much as me.
Don’t Let the Holiday Stress Get to You
I love this time of the year. The south Texas weather is cooler, not cold, but cooler. I may have to slip on a light jacket if it’s early morning. So far, it still is short sleeve time. The sun is much lower on the horizon. It rises later and sets earlier. It’s still setting much earlier than it does in the northern areas of the U.S. My neighbors have decorated their homes for the holiday season. I mean decorated them with tree wraps and lights strung across the top of their houses. I already have my tree up and a few outdoor decorations. There will be lots of families in south Texas getting together to make tamales. It’s a long cultural tradition. Tamales are as much a part of the holiday season here as Christmas lights. The holiday season can be fun if we keep a tight grip on the stress leash. Don’t give in to things that crank up the stress. When you feel it cranking up, take a step back, brew a cup of tea, and find a nice spot to relax for a few minutes.
