A few days ago, I posted a blog on the things that annoy me about the Christmas season. So that I don't come off as a total Scrooge, herewith I list the things I love about this holiday:
Christmas Eve service and singing "Silent Night" in the candlelight. Every year, although it only lasts about 30 - 45 minutes, this simple service gives me a feeling of peace I cannot describe in words.
Pumpkin pie, my cousin's 14-layer chocolate cake, and homemade eggnog. Yes they are worth the calories.
The children's Christmas program at my church. It always centers around the telling of the Nativity, and the youngest children in the church are the animals. When those little 1-, 2- and 3-year old sheep, cows and donkeys walk down that church aisle, complete with tails and little ears, I defy anyone not to grin from ear to ear and say "AWWWW!!!" Absolutely ADORABLE
Breakfast at my sister's house on Christmas morning. It's nothing fancy, just normal breakfast stuff, but the food is wonderful and the together time in the lights of the Christmas tree is even better.
Christmas music. My mother is a talented musician and music is a huge part of her life. The Christmas music I grew up listening to has become an important and vital part of my personal holiday celebration.
Family traditions - The gathering of my dad's side of the family every Christmas Eve; our family's routine on Christmas morning. The traditions have changed over the years as our lives have evolved and changed, but the traditions of the past and the present serve to make us who we are.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Enough said.
Decorating my house and hanging the stockings on the mantle. Last year I got new ones for Powder and me and put our names on them. This year I'll add a third one…one that says "Peggy", for my mom.
Once again, decorating the tree with the very fragile and cherished Christmas tree ornaments from my childhood. I have about a dozen of them, and even though a few of them have chipped paint or are worn in spots, they're still beautiful to me and represent my growing up years and the memories associated with those years. And now that my dad has passed on, those ornaments are even more precious to me.
The smells – evergreen, cinnamon, apples, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies baking.
The shining eyes of children at all the sights and sounds.
Smiling at a stranger and saying "Merry Christmas".
Christmas caroling.
Food for thought: There is nothing on earth more peaceful than sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree lights, the gifts wrapped and under the tree, with a fire going, drinking hot cocoa or good coffee, watching "A Christmas Carol" on the DVD player, while the wind howls outside and the thermometer dips into the 30's. I wouldn't trade those moments for all the money in the world, would you?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year, everyone!
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4 comments:
Hey girl. I love your blog. I hope to visit often. :)
I agree with almost everything about the things you love about Christmas but I would put "It's a Wonderful Life" on instead. You aren’t human if you can watch that movie and not cry.
I also get extremely annoyed with Christmas. People become so demanding. I want, I want, I want. It is about money and gifts.
I read your entry the other day right before I went into work and as soon as I got there some one asked me the inevitable question. I had to try so hard to keep from laughing. Then I smiled and replied “It’s coming whether I am ready or not.” I figured you would get a kick out of that.
Hi, BG! Thanks for stopping by! Yes I can understand how you feel in being annoyed...didn't I read that you work in retail? Yikes! Anyone working in retail this time of year has undying respect, and sympathy!
So someone repeated that odious cliche to you recently too, eh? Great reply, BTW...*wink wink*
Thanks again for visiting, and stop by again soon..
Hi ncwoman, I'm happy to find you in that place that is all yours...it's like to come and visit you at home! :)
Oh I LOVE Christmas, mainly because I can leave this foggy town where I live for a few days and return to my parents's house in the South of Italy and pass my time watching old movies and eating very tasteful and incredibly caloric food...
I couldn't say what I hate of Christmas instead...maybe the end of it! ;)
See you around dear...:*
Hello Xenia my fellow poetry-loving friend...so nice to hear from you! Come back often!
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