Merry Twelfth Day of Christmas

Yes.   I've been walking around wishing people "Merry _____ Day of Christmas" this year.  I've posted such on the Twitter and the Facebook, and have made the wish out loud to family, friends, and people at the grocery store.  Is it because of the song which, while fun, makes you wonder what she did with all those birds and the eight maids a milking?  Absolutely not.
Traditionally, Christmas is a season, not a day.  This season BEGINS on the 25th of December.  I think Christmas is such a let down for some people because they prepare prepare prepare only to celebrate it on one day.  Or they believe they should celebrate it all December while preparing for the big day at the same time, leaving them less time and energy to prepare.
We feel guilty if the Christmas cookies aren't made by December 25.  Why?  Unless you are hosting the First Day of Christmas at your house and need them for dessert, what is so wrong with making cookies to bring to neighbors on December 28th instead?  (BTW, I'm not knocking Cookie Party Exchanges.  That's a great idea, especially if you are hosting December 25 or bringing dessert).
I realize that people with children have to have everything "Santa ready" (insert your own meaning into that phrase, please), but if you give your child more than one gift, why can't a smaller one be given on one of the other days of Christmas?   Or maybe it wouldn't be so bad to buy Christmas gifts for people you won't see until after Christmas after Christmas?
Maybe it is partly because I broke my toes and couldn't do much before Christmas, but I am glad for the extra time to buy gifts for people whom I wouldn't see on Christmas anyway.  I'm also glad that we had some celebrations together after the "BIG day".  I enjoyed baking kolackys with my uncle this past weekend, and can't help but think of what a gift it is that we get more than one day!
Seriously, it is the retailers that want to make it one big day that you have to do big and perfect.  They count on this one day to make the most money they'll make all year, but for those of us who are celebrating the Incarnation of Christ, one day is not enough to contemplate, celebrate and communicate it!  Twelve days aren't enough either come to think of it, but there is always next year!
How are we going to celebrate the twelfth day of Christmas?  Before Bob goes to his Bible Study group, we will bless our house, as we have each year on Epiphany since we moved here.  
The Anglican priest on this blog seems to use a house blessing ceremony similar to ours.
Happy Twelfth Day of Christmas.  Be blessed by the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation of Christ always.  
Please join me in singing the last Christmas Carol of the season.

Oh Christmas Tree

My mom and dad were great people.  They loved each other, me, and Christmas ( I can't even begin to  say in which order).  However, one thing my  Daddy did NOT love was putting up a tree.   I was allergic to pine, so we couldn't have real tree.  We had a plastic tree, my guess is about eight feet high.  I have pictures to prove it was at LEAST two feet taller than Daddy, who was six feet tall.   Back then, plastic trees weren't folded in for storage, then folded out to decorate.   No, they had to be put in branch by branch by branch.     There were little numbers with letters on the stem to let the assembler know which row a particular branch belonged.  I swear, I remember  branches named "12 F".

The storage box that contained these branches was awkward to get up the stairs from the basement.   Daddy was grumpy by the time he carried it to the living room, and that's putting it nicely.   Thus would begin my parent's yearly "putting up the tree" fight.

Daddy:  Who the HELL put these branches in here like this!
Momma: You take the tree down and put away the branches every year, Frankie, and you know it!
Daddy:  HMMPHH!!!! (grumble grumpble grumble).

(Daddy proceeds to put the tree up, starting with the topper)

Daddy: There, that'll do!
Momma:  (face crumpling a bit)  No it won't, and you know it!
Daddy: (grumple grumble grumble)

(Daddy continues to mumble and grumble for a while, and gets to row 10 B)

Daddy: Who the HELL ever picked out this damn tree anyway!
Momma:  Well, don't blame your daughter, she wasn't even born yet.
Daddy:  I WASN'T blaming Helen....
Momma:  I know, Frankie.  Lighten up!  It's Christmas!
Daddy:  (chewing on a Muriel air tip cigar whilst sitting among piles of large branches).   Yeah yeah....   Then I get to carry up the tree ornament boxes, and then all those knickknacks your Mom bought us over the years...........   You know she forgot what she's given us and we have 3 pairs of Christmas tree salt shakers from Wieboldt's!
Momma:  DON'T start with me, Frank!
Daddy:  What, you know it's true!   And the ash trays, and the ...
Momma: Just STOP it!  I won't discus my mother or her gifts with you when you are like this!
Daddy:  Like what?

(And off they are into a full blown argument that meanders into every annoying thing the other did since last Christmas.   No, we haven't even begun to untangle the lights yet.)

My Momma, God rest her soul, was usually peaceable for as long as possible.   Seriously.

But one year when I was in college, my Mom started her own bad mood.   She knew what to expect when Daddy went down for the tree, and she was seething with memories of Christmas tree assemblages past.

Daddy puts on his jacket and heads for the door.

Momma:  Where are you going?
Daddy:  To the basement...
Momma:  You better not be bringing up the tree!
Daddy:  Why not!
Momma:   I don't even want a tree this year!  I don't want any
Daddy: (interrupting her)  Really Honey?  Do you mean it?  (His eyes are shining and he is holding her affectionately at her shoulders)
Momma:  (stunned silence)
Daddy:  Oh Honey,  I'll bring up EVERY one of the decorations your mother gave us!  I'll clean them piece by piece, and I'll even help you find a good spot for the duplicates!
Momma:  If that's what you'd like!
Daddy:  This is the best Christmas gift ever!   Where should we put the lights?




That scaled back Christmas was delightful!  No harsh words or grumpiness whatsoever:  Daddy was soappreciative of not having to work on the branches that nothing else bothered him and Momma was  stunned that the first year she pumps herself up for the argument, it deflates before it begins.

In November I injured my foot.   I'm barely able to clean house, much less decorate.   Bob brought up the tree and a wreath, I put up the Christmas throws my mother made, and that's it.  I'm not worrying about Grandma's knickknacks, mom's ornaments, MIL's centerpiece, or decorative gifts I received in past years.   I enjoy them most years, but this year, with the tape on my foot, all that running around would not make Christmas more meaningful, but a chore to get through.  I may put a Christmassy table cloth on the dining room table, or I may not.   Decorating doesn't HAVE to get done to prepare for Christmas.    If Jesus comes back and finds my house  lit a bit dimmer, I'd be more comfortable with that than for him to find me frazzled and grumbling at those who love me.

The Greatest "Holiday" Gift You Can Give

Last year the Chicago Tribune asked for letters describing the greatest "holiday" gift we ever received. I am reposting this year the letter I sent in reply.



I would love to share with all of you the best holiday gift I have ever received. I received this gift as a child, and have cherished this gift for more than thirty years. This gift has given meaning to both my joys and my troubles. If this gift were to be lost or tarnished, I would be most desolate. The smallest child can use this gift. Actually, we could all learn from the smallest child how to best utilize this gift. I can share this gift with the whole world, as much of it as I possess, and never have less of it for myself. This gift is the gift of faith.
The holiday I celebrate is Christmas, so my faith is in Jesus Christ. It is His birthday I rejoice in. For me, He is the great gift this holiday season, and every holiday season, and each day in between every holiday. That God has given the gift of His own Son, in itself humbles me. I was not blessed with a child, but you could bet if I had been, I would not have wanted him to sacrifice his own material well being, his own comfort, his own life really, for the good of others. The Father God giving us His only begotten Son demonstrates the love He has for all mankind, the love we ought to try to give each other if we truly love Him. While we could never match His love, doing our best to love others for His sake is all the thanks we can offer for so perfect a gift.
I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do believe that by emphasizing this belief more than the tangible aspects of Christmas, my parents gave me the greatest gift: belief in God. They took me to Mass, and nurtured my sense of wonder as I looked upon the crèche. They shared their belief in one greater than the highest official in the greatest of lands. No power on earth is greater than His. No love on earth is greater than His. It is His love that gives dignity to all people.
I know that there are other holidays celebrated this year by people who do not celebrate Christmas, or believe in it as I do. Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle done by the Creator to save His chosen people. Ramadan, which took place earlier this year, is a time of fasting and seeking God’s guidance. I must leave it to others to better explain these holidays, and suffice it to say that they too are about faith in God. I think the greatest gift to give others and oneself for the holidays is to remember the etymology of the word holiday. It comes from the words holy day. Sharing the holiness of our holy days is the greatest holiday gift any of us can offer anyone.


To all who read this, I wish Happy Holy Days. Merry Christmas. Much love to you!

No Clever Title Today...Ten Dollar Challenge

It was a dark and stormy night ... Okay, not really. It was a gloomy, snowy morning......

I had a lot of errands to do. One of them was to get some supplies at Walgreen's. It was a snowy and windy morning, so when I left, I wanted to make double sure that I brought my cart all the way back so that it wouldn't knock into a car. There are no cart carrels at Walgreen's, at least not the one by us. On my way back to the store with my cart, I pulled in the carts that were on my way there. I did not go out of my way to get the carts past my car because it was so horrible out, but it took no extra effort to bring back the ones that were on my way, and I figured that the people working inside the store should stay warm and dry for as long as they can. I figure that people working in stores during the Christmas season must find this season frustrating. They are busier than ever, the weather is sometimes bad, and people are in a hurry and preoccupied and not always as nice as they can be. I try to be extra pleasant and thoughtful to them in the hope that it may counteract some of the tension. We Christians insist that Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill, so it behooves us to share some, you know?

Still, since it was snowy, cold and windy, I did not want to go out of my way to get the other cart. I was not willing to experience a little more discomfort. Don't worry, I'm not hating on myself for that. What I want to get across is that it was uncomfortable weather, bad enough to make me not want to be out there an extra few seconds.

The clerk noticed me bringing in the carts, and thanked me. I got into my car to continue running errands. Up at the next stoplight was a man wearing what appeared to be a brown hoodie and jeans holding a cup asking for change. Billy Coffey had suggested the ten dollar challenge weeks ago, so I had my ten bucks easily within reach. I did not wait for any confirmation of the Spirit that this man was whom it was meant for....I just knew that the whole cart incident and not wanting an extra moment outside was meant to prepare my heart to give quickly to the man before the light changed and he needed to get out of traffic.

It was ten bucks. There was no life changing moment for either of us. I opened my car window, said "God bless you. I hope you have better circumstances in the coming year ", and placed the money in the cup. He said thank you. The light changed and he dashed to the side. I could see in my side mirror that he looked inside of the cup, and started heading to the gas station. I can't tell you whether he was thinking "Yaay! Coffee and a donut!" or "Stupid woman probably was confused and thought it was a dollar." It doesn't matter. The important thing is that for a few moments, he did not have to stay out in a snowstorm, and could get a coffee and a donut.

Yes. I know. They sell other types of refreshment at gas stations as well. Don't let the fact that I am young and cute fool you. I was NOT born yesterday. It is altogether possible he got himself some liquid refreshment that would make him feel warmer, but is not, coffee, tea, or cocoa. I'm okay with that. I'm not a tea totaler myself. I like a little whiskey and honey to soothe a sore throat or a chronic cough, and being outdoors collecting change on a day like that was bound to give him one or the other. I regret more that it is unlikely he would be having any honey to sweeten the bitter home remedy, if that was his choice. Which again, he may have been getting cocoa with marshmallows. I'll never know. I don't need to know, though I sort of hope he opted for a little sweetness...


In the spirit of Goodwill that we Christians sing about this time of year, how about checking out Billy Coffey's Ten Dollar Challenge by clicking here.

Happy Epiphany

After today, I won't be saying "Merry Christmas" again until December. Today officially ends the Christmas season. Sigh. Time for me to stop the revelry, and practice being salt and light. I'd rather just stay here in the celebration mode, but that is not what Jesus asks of us, is it? Joy in the Lord is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and I am not asked to give that up. Just to express my joy and gratitude about other things than His birth. During Lent I can express gratitude for His sacrifice. During Easter I can express joy in His Resurrection. There is still much to celebrate this year...
Meanwhile, I am still reading the first Chapter of Crazy Love. This is not just a book to read, but a book to work with. Sigh. And I thought 186 pages sounded like a piece of cake. No wonder Jon Acuff is only having us discuss (comment on, whatever) the first two chapters on January 14.

****Update: Deacon is doing well after surgery, but he is feeling pain. I hope he heals well.

Happy Sunday

Today we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany. Yeah, two days too early. Burns me up a bit. Christmas officially ends on January 6. Why end it early just to celebrate on a Sunday? Christmas is too good to end two days too early! I refuse to end it! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
On a more somber note, will my friends please pray for Deacon Ken? He is a Deacon (hence the name Deacon Ken) at my parish, and he is currently in the hospital. Pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He has been in for about a week, but I first found out today at Mass. He is no longer in ICU, but please pray for him anyway. He is elderly, and had difficulty walking even before his hospitalization. When someone in his condition is laid up in the hospital for awhile, it is really hard for them to get back on their feet. Please pray for his full recovery. Thank you very much.

Call Your Aunts and Uncles....

Now! Stop reading the blogs for a few moments, and call your aunts and uncles. It is preferable to call the females aunt or auntie, and the males uncle. Call them, wish them a Merry Merry and a Happy Happy, tell them you are thinking about them, and tell them about every minor detail of your day, including the dog pooping on the rug and the cat puking on the sheets. Ask them how they are, and listen when they tell you about all their aches and pains. Praise them for their patience under the strain, even if you have to.......bend the truth as if it were made of the same material as Gumby. Tell them you think about them often, even if you have to redefine often. If you feel guilty because they ask why you haven't called in so long, tell them it is because of the dog pooping everywhere and the cat puking anywhere and you don't like to complain to them because of they are suffering with their own problems. They will assure you that they live to talk about dog poop and cat puke. Nothing fascinates them more than whatever you have to say.
Where is this coming from? If I have to hear my mom say one more time that nobody loves her (and yes, she makes it clear that she knows my husband and I do, but wants to know what did she ever do to make her nieces and nephews hurt or angry and not want to call...) I am going to turn purple and start twitching! Let me defend my cousins. They were here at her birthday party. They made an appropriate fuss over her. They gave her lovely gifts, brought a side dish, and sang "Happy Birthday" in harmony (actually some of us were off key rather than harmonious, but c'mon, that is what makes the song special). They sent lovely Christmas cards since then. I have exchanged emails with them where they tell me to send their best to their aunt (my mom). They are actually no worse than my husband and I with his aunts and uncles (my mom "reminds" me to call my aunt and uncle regularly). Their only fault as far as I can see is that they did not call and say "Merry Christmas". Actually, one of them did, and mom was thrilled when she called, but mom is focusing on the ones who didn't now.
So call that aunt and uncle. Or that elderly neighbor that you really should visit but don't have time because they never let you go home. Or......whomever it is you are reminded of as you are reading this. You may be able to make someone you love and who loves you very happy, and prevent another loved one from turning purple and developing a twitch. God bless you.
Thanks for letting me rant. I feel better now.


****Blagojevich update at 2:00. He dares to make an appointment. I have nothing against the man he appointed. I know of no scandals in his career. I just don't think Blagojevich should be making this decision considering what he has been caught saying on tape. Whether Blagojevich is guilty of a crime is up to lawmakers, but he has definitely done wrong. And such language! Does he kiss his family with that mouth? Yikes!

My Christmas Presents : I Got More Than I Asked For

Gifts Received by me this Christmas
1. Jesus Christ. He forgives over and over. He is my Saviour.
2.. Remember when I said that I wanted to see Jesus glorified in the Trib this year. Well, not only was my letter printed, but at least two others, which I found very uplifting. And they had an article last Sunday that I linked earlier in the week.
3. My mom, husband, uncle, and I are healthy. True, mom is still disabled, but one can be healthy and disabled. I know it is hard to picture, but there have been weeks with infections, and stuff going on that, well, was not going on this Christmas. She even helped me wrap presents, and I mean she was a real help. Sometimes I have her "help" and it is actually more work for me to do so, but not this time. It was good. A real gift.
4. A new brother in Christ. Raving Theist has responded to me with a lovely email in which he states his love for Jesus. Angels in Heaven rejoice. I am joining the party and rejoicing with them.

Yes, I got tangilble gifts, too. Cousins gave us gift certificates for my husband and I to enjoy on our Saturdays out. My husband and I bought ourselves a new television the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy on our Weekdays in. Mom gave is cash to enjoy on our Saturdays out. Yes, I am going to enjoy these gifts. But my heart soars like a child's when I think of the four gifts I listed above.
You know, I grew up an only child. My sister died before I was ever born. I watched too much Brady Bunch as a little girl, and I used to pray for an older brother. I believed nothing was impossible for God. I wonder how old Raving Theist is. He could be an answer to a prayer prayed 34 years ago. It could happen, you know. All kidding aside, I am truly happy for him, and look for to reading him more. He is shown as Raving Theist on my blog roll. God bless you.
***Update Raving Theist emailed me, and said I could call him Greg, and that I should change his name on my blog roll to Big Bro. As you can see, I have. Gotta listen to my big brother ;-)

Merry Christmas

When I was in fourth grade, this was my favorite Christmas carol. I tried to talk my fourth grade teacher into letting us sing this for the Christmas program, but I don't think she ever heard of it. I did go to a public school, but that wasn't a problem. Ms. Jarret was a Christian woman, who posted my Christmas composition on the bulletin board and gave me an excellent grade for it, even though it was a paraphrased version of the Christmas story. And we sang "Go Tell it On the Mountain" instead, so I was happy.
No, we sounded nothing like this, but Mahalia Jackson sings this song better than anyone.



No One Gives a Better Christmas Gift Than God.
Click on the link above to read a really beautiful article from last Sunday's paper.

So, We Begin Christmas Eve...

One of my blogger friends described embedding youtube videos as something we do when we are too lazy to write our own post. I couldn't write anything better than this if I did try. And no message I could share with you would be as beautiful. God bless you.

Love is Never Trite

John 3:16 For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life.

We all know that verse, Christians and sports lovers everywhere. It is a great and often used verse. Sometimes when sayings and proverbs and quotes have been used very often, they are deemed to be trite. But not this verse, not ever. No matter who we are, we need to be reminded of God's love for us.
Years ago I used to go to a Catholic Charismatic prayer meeting. I formed close friendships with people in that group, and even though I am not particularly charismatic ( I'm talking about Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit, not whether or not I am Princess Charming), I was made to feel welcome, beloved, and at home.
One day, a friend shared that she felt the Holy Spirit telling her to tell the woman across the street that God loves her. Frannie did not know the lady across the street, so she felt it would be awkward to ring the bell and say "God wanted me to tell you that He loves you!". All day she felt the urging of the Holy Spirit, and she ignored Him. Frannie is a good Christian woman, and felt terrible about ignoring the Holy Spirit. It gnawed at her all day and all night.
The next day, she saw the lady working in her garden. Frannie walked over and timidly told her "Um, I know we haven't really met, but I have felt like God wanted me to tell you that He loves you...." Frannie did not have to continue. The woman burst into tears. She told Frannie that her husband had died, her children lived far away, and that the day before she had cried all day, feeling that life was not worth living, because nobody loved her. The message of God's love brought peace to her heart. She had most likely heard "Smile, God loves you" before, or the bible verse above, or somewhere somehow heard this message. But she needed to hear it again. It made a difference to her then and there!
Frannie shared this story with us to urge us to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks, even if He tells us to speak the obvious. I am sharing her story here, not for that ( which may be a good message, but I wouldn't use Frannie's experience to do that. She is not the only one who has fought the Holy Spirit. The woman I see in the mirror has done that too), but because I think it shows that the message "God loves you!" needs to be said over and over and over. It is the best message I have ever received, or passed on.
*****Update
My Letter to the Tribune is on their Website."

The Best "Holiday" Gift I Have Ever Gotten

A few weeks ago, the Chicago Tribune asked for readers to contribute essays on the best holiday gift they ever received that money could not buy. I shared with my blogger family that I had chosen to write an essay, which I had some doubt would be published. Unless yesterday's Tribune only contained a few of the chosen essays, mine was rejected. Hey, Jesus Christ Himself has been rejected by many. My essay is nothing compared to Him. While some people contributed excellent answers, there were none having to do with receiving Jesus Christ, or faith in God whatsoever. One person wrote freedom to worship, but, well....I wanted to see God Himself shared in print on the pages of the Chicago Tribune. My only regret is that I didn't post the information on my blog earlier, and request people to send an essay so I could see God glorified on the pages of a Chicago newspaper for Christmas, which is what I wanted more than anything. Perhaps Pip, Kathy, Elizabeth, Sherri, Cheri, Anne, or Beth could have moved their hearts. I didn't. Still, I would like to share with my blogger friends my effort. I know it's kind of like preaching to the choir. You could have written the same thing, but better. Still, I need to post this so that I don't harbor bitterness about wasting my time. It is amazing how I could write a post to share with friends in a few minutes, but to write an essay for strangers took a couple of days. One day to write, and another day to tune up. Here we go....

I would love to share with all of you the best holiday gift I have ever received. I received this gift as a child, and have cherished this gift for more than thirty years. This gift has given meaning to both my joys and my troubles. If this gift were to be lost or tarnished, I would be most desolate. The smallest child can use this gift. Actually, we could all learn from the smallest child how to best utilize this gift. I can share this gift with the whole world, as much of it as I possess, and never have less of it for myself. This gift is the gift of faith.
The holiday I celebrate is Christmas, so my faith is in Jesus Christ. It is His birthday I rejoice in. For me, He is the great gift this holiday season, and every holiday season, and each day in between every holiday. That God has given the gift of His own Son, in itself humbles me. I was not blessed with a child, but you could bet if I had been, I would not have wanted him to sacrifice his own material well being, his own comfort, his own life really, for the good of others. The Father God giving us His only begotten Son demonstrates the love He has for all mankind, the love we ought to try to give each other if we truly love Him. While we could never match His love, doing our best to love others for His sake is all the thanks we can offer for so perfect a gift.
I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do believe that by emphasizing this belief more than the tangible aspects of Christmas, my parents gave me the greatest gift: belief in God. They took me to Mass, and nurtured my sense of wonder as I looked upon the crèche. They shared their belief in one greater than the highest official in the greatest of lands. No power on earth is greater than His. No love on earth is greater than His. It is His love that gives dignity to all people.
I know that there are other holidays celebrated this year by people who do not celebrate Christmas, or believe in it as I do. Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle done by the Creator to save His chosen people. Ramadan, which took place earlier this year, is a time of fasting and seeking God’s guidance. I must leave it to others to better explain these holidays, and suffice it to say that they too are about faith in God. I think the greatest gift to give others and oneself for the holidays is to remember the etymology of the word holiday. It comes from the words holy day. Sharing the holiness of our holy days is the greatest holiday gift any of us can offer anyone.
I wish all of you at the Chicago Tribune, and those of you who read it, a blessed and holy holiday.
The same goes for anyone reading this post, Pip, Cheri, blogger gal pals, Ryan, Matt, Pete (are you out there Pete?), Stacy, Gabrielle, anyone I missed, lurkers, etc. Have a blessed and Holy Christmas.

***Update: Apparently more essays were printed today. This was not among them. Maybe tomorrow;-) If not, I'm okay with that, as long as I see in print someone mention the gift of Christ-the very reason most of us have a holiday. I want to see Jesus Christ praised in the Chicago Tribune this year! Is that really so much to ask? I have nothing against the gift of peace, freedom, time, love, etc. It's just that Jesus encompasses all that, and more.

****Update My Letter to the Tribune is on their Website."

Nativity Sets and Wonder and Awe

Yesterday, Katdish was having a blog surfing contest. Click on the title of this post if you wish to check out her blog. One of her categories was weirdest blog. I nominated the Cavalcade of Bad Nativity Sets.
Click here to go Cavalcade of Bad Natvity Sets
Now there are some really tacky Nativity Sets in this parade, though I actually liked most of them. Until recently, I never saw a creche I didn't like. You see, I have an aversion to creches which have animals representing the Holy Family, angels, wise men, etc. I especially dislike seeing the Holy Family represented as geese and a rubber duck. It is way too whimsical to be respectful. I don't mind whimsical nativities where you have children representing the Holy Family, angels, et. al. As a matter of fact, they touch me in a completely different way. Those help me remember that Christ said we must come to Him as little children. Those help me reflect on how I can do that. The fancier ones fill me with wonder and awe (yes, even most of them in the blog I nominated. If it weren't for the geese and the cat nativities, I would not have submitted it).
I have especially good memories of being a child on my way to and from school, passing a house that had beautiful light up nativity in front of their house. How I loved it! I remember walking up to the baby Jesus as a kindergartner, with my mom calling after me "Helen, I taught you better than to walk on the grass. You don't even know these people! They might be angry!". I remember a middle aged (probably thirty-nine like me) woman coming outside in her house dress, telling mom it was okay, not to worry about it, I have her permission to stay on the lawn as long as I like, and come as often as I like. That was so nice of her. Poor lady. I don't think she realized that I would take that as permission to come and kneel before the Christ child every day the nativity was up, every year through eighth grade. Actually, she never came outside when I was there again. But, God bless her, she never said "Stop it already. You are no longer small and cute when you do this! You are absolutely frightening!" I mean, think about it. I probably looked like I should be riding the short bus. And, while I could read and write well above my grade level, and could hold my own in math, I was rather slow socially. Obviously. And, of course, I thought it was every body else.
My poor mother. I was probably in Sixth Grade the day I came home half an hour late with my knees wet from the snow. It was the first day baby Jesus was up that year, and I had a lot to say. Mom was always a worrier, and mycoming home that late (very over protective) with pants wet from the knee down pushed her to the edge. She was yelling "Where were you? What on earth could you have been doing?" etc, I'm sure you all know the drill. And I look at her like she was.....well, acting strangely and say "Mom, didn't you know the Nativity on the next block was up today? Where else could I have been?" Of course, she tries to convince me that the permission given me was not for all eternity, but I said "Wouldn't they just say something already if they changed their minds?" Mom was exasperated with me, so I tried to keep my time with the nativity short from then on. On my way to school, I would wave to the Holy Family, then stop to talk to them for a moment on my way home. Yeah. I know. Short bus. I looked like a big dumb kid. But I didn't care. I wish I cared a little less now....
By the time I entered college, the family either moved, or didn't put the nativity out any more. Either way, by then I was too grown up by then to do childish things, and not grown up enough to do child like things.
I do still cherish these memories. Every time I see an outdoor Nativity, I reflect on how I can receive Him like a child now. I guess the answer is to just love Him without wondering how I am being perceived by others..
In case you were wondering, we do not put out an outdoor Nativity (my husband doesn't like them, and I have submitted to him on this matter), though I have Nativity suncatchers in my window displaying the story of that glorious day. I have not seen any children gazing in wonder, but if I do, I will be sure to tell them to get as close as they like, take as long as they like, and come as often as they like.
In interest of full disclosure, the set above is not the one I remember from my youth, but it is beautiful, isn't it? Click on the picture to see the rest of it. Oh, and it was not part of the calvacade I mentioned. And it didn't belong there.

Why My Tree Is Fake

This song was inspired by Ryan B's post today. Click on the title of this post to check out his blog.


Owed to Allergies
(to be sung to the tune of jingle bells)

Allergies, Allergies
Pine trees make me sneeze
It’s not fun on Christmas day, when all you do is wheeze.

Allergies, allergies
Cause my throat to swell
Such a shame, since pine has a truly nice smell..

Dashing in the Chevy
To the apothecary
Hope I get there safe
It is starting to snow
Why did I buy the pine
I should’ve known it wouldn’t be fine
I can’t mow the lawn because I’m allergic to grass
Now I’m knocked flat on my…

Allergies, Allergies
Pine trees make me sneeze
It’s not fun on Christmas day, when all you do is wheeze.

Allergies, allergies
Cause my throat to swell
Such a shame, since pine has a truly nice smell..

This House is Doing the Trepak

Okay, I am a copy cat. This is the same house that dances to "All I Want For Christmas is You" on SCL. It is just that the Russian Trepak has always been my favorite piece from The Nutcracker. As much as I love ice skating, Nutcracker on Ice is ruined for me because it is missing the Trepak. The Trepak rocks. Good night.

I Am Crazy About Christmas Carols

I have stolen, er I mean creatively borrowed, this from Happy Catholic. If anyone is offended by this, please let me know, and I will throw myself at your cyberfeet and beg for forgiveness. My family and I resemble most of these, and we weren't offended, so I made some assumptions that others wouldn't be bothered. If you are, I do apologize.

Christmas Carols for the Disturbed
Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and ...

Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me!

Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy ... oooh look at the Froggy ... can I have a chocolate ... why is France so far away?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...

Look, Reindeer! No, It's Snow Darling!

Happy Catholic posted this on her blog in September. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing it now.



A long time ago, in Russia, there was a famous weather man named Rudolf.

He's always had a 100% accuracy rate for his forecasts of the Russian weather conditions. His people loved him and respected him for his faultless foresight. He was particularly good at predicting rain. One night, despite clear skies, he made the prediction on the 6:00pm news broadcast that a violent storm was approaching. It would flood the town in which he and his wife lived. He warned the people to take proper precautions and prepare for the worst.

After he arrived home later that evening, his wife met him at the door and started arguing with him that his weather prediction was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard. This time, she said, he had made a terrible mistake. There wasn't a cloud anywhere within 10 miles of the village. As a matter of fact, that day had been the most beautiful day that the town had ever had and it was quite obvious to everyone that it simply wasn't going to rain.

He told her she was to be quiet and listen to him. If he said it was going to rain, IT WAS GOING TO RAIN. He had all of his Russian heritage behind him and he knew what he was talking about. She argued that although he came from a proud heritage, IT STILL WASN'T GOING TO RAIN.

They argued back and forth for hours , so much that they went to bed mad at each other.

During the night, sure enough one of the worst rainstorms hit the village the likes of which they had never seen. That morning when Rudolf and his wife arose, they looked out the window and saw all the water that had fallen that night.

"See," said Rudolf, "I told you it was going to rain." His wife admitted: "Once again your prediction came true. But I want to know, just how were you so accurate, Rudolf?" To which he replied, "You see, Rudolf the Red knows rain dear!"

A Lovely Description of Advent

Hi all! Remember when I mentioned that a cyberfriend has a lovely description of advent he will be posting on his blog, and that I'd provide a link when he did. Well, click on the title of this post, and you'll see his.
I really need to work on seeing the positive in the way Christmas is being celebrated, and not just curmudgeonly complain about commercialization, secularization and the like.
God bless you.

As Requested by Sherri, The Lyrics to My Favorite German Carol

Kling, Glöckchen
Ring, Little Bell

Text: Carl Enslin (1819-1875)
Melodie: Benedikt Widmann (1820-1910)

DEUTSCH

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!
Laßt mich ein, ihr Kinder!
Ist so kalt der Winter!
Öffnet mir die Türen!
Laßt mich nicht erfrieren!
Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!
Mädchen, hört, und Bübchen,
Macht mir auf das Stübchen!
Bring euch viele Gaben,
Sollt euch dran erlaben!
Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!

Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!
Hell erglühn die Kerzen,
Öffnet mir die Herzen,
Will drin wohnen fröhlich,
Frommes Kind, wie selig!
Kling, Glöckchen, klingelingeling!
Kling, Glöckchen, kling!

ENGLISH

Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!
Let me in, you kids!
So cold is the winter!
Open the doors for me!
Don't let me freeze!
Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!

Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!
Girls, listen, and boys,
Open up the room for me!
I bring you many gifts,
You should enjoy them!
Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!

Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!
Brightly glow the candles,
Open your hearts to me,
I want to live there happily,
Devout child, how blessed!
Ring, little bell, ringalingaling!
Ring, little bell, ring!

I know, from our cultural standpoint, the lyrics sound a little creepy at first, but we are supposed to be imagining the
Christchild asking for entrance into our hearts (okay, so bibically He knocks instead of ringing the bell, it is still a sweet picture) and not imagining stranger danger asking a latchkey kid to open the door. It is all in the perspective.
And, I don't mean to be petty, but it is pronounced "Danke Sheyrn".

Poll Results : When Should Christmas Music Be Played?

Well, the votes have been in for a while, and I am sure it is no surprise to those who know me that I took my time blogging about it. Six people believe that Christmas music should begin the day after Thanksgiving, one person believes that it should be played all year round, and one person suggests that after December 8 (Feast day of The Immaculate Conception, I'll be glad to answer any questions for non Catholics if you want) would be appropriate. Pip also suggests that there are ways to see advent and Christ's coming in presents wrapped under the tree and other less religious symbols if we try. He mentioned that he may blog on that later, and when he does, I'll provide a link if he gives me permission to (I am sure he will. He seems like a nice guy :-) ..
I suppose I have been playing Christmas Curmudgeon about Christmas music during advent because I used to teach second grade. Let me explain. Christmas program. Practice for more than two weeks. Singing and dancing. Principal changes dance steps three days before program (I still hyperventilate when I think about it, can you hear me?). She then spends two days yelling at kids for not listening and me for not practicing with them enough. Tension headache. Unable to listen to any Christmas music except what is necessary until Christmas day, or I hyperventilate. Can't listen to music from each individual Christmas program for at least three years without hyperventilating. Can't speak about it in complete sentences still. Ah, memories.

Speaking of memories, I took four years of German in High School (Good Counsel, an all girl Catholic High School) Frau Hildegarde Germaine taught us this song and many others. This was and is my favorite German Christmas Carol (I know, Stille Nacht or Ihr Kommet Kleiner Kinder should be because of their religious nature, but they're not).