Posts
Cynics would say 5 shopping days.
But I think what remains of Christmas is what remains of innocence
and the willingness to believe that love can transcend hate ...
and the strength of will to live that belief:
It’s part Christmas miracle, part holiday mystery.
MARK SAAL/Standard-Examiner
A decorated evergreen tree beside the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in the foothills above Ogden, Utah, gets decorated about this time every year. But nobody knows who does it.
About this time every year, for at least the last half-dozen or so, someone has been decorating a small evergreen tree in the foothills above Ogden – carefully placing ornaments on the branches, draping it in garland and, this year, topping it with a large red snowflake.
The miracle part is that this tradition has survived year-to-year, and that the tree has remained largely unmolested out there in the open. The mystery part is that no one seems to know who does it, or why.
Mystery and Miracle ...
that is what makes up the best of Christmas ... the slipping away back into childhood innocence and belief in miracles.
that is what makes up the best of Christmas ... the slipping away back into childhood innocence and belief in miracles.
Of the 92 percent of Americans who say they celebrate Christmas, just 51 percent say that Christmas remains more of a religious holiday than a cultural holiday for them.
But how much leaven does it take to a loaf of bread rise? Not much.
Perhaps those of us who keep Christmas alive in our hearts this month and try to keep its embers glowing all year help preserve the tiny bit of the world around us?
Gathering with extended family or friends on Christmas Eve or Day is sliding from a remembered 91 percent to a current 86 percent,
but still remains the part of the season that people look forward to more than any other.
but still remains the part of the season that people look forward to more than any other.
In fact, 51 percent of those who say they don’t celebrate Christmas in their own homes say
they will be part of a family or friends’ gathering at Christmas.
they will be part of a family or friends’ gathering at Christmas.
To me, Christmas is not a religious holiday.
Like my Sam McCord, "I don't do religion. Religion sucks the very marrow from the bones of living a life of love. Hard-hearted folks seem to rise to the top of religious structures."
Like my Sam McCord, "I don't do religion. Religion sucks the very marrow from the bones of living a life of love. Hard-hearted folks seem to rise to the top of religious structures."
More from Samuel:
"I think Christmas is a built-in pause button in the increasingly busy lives of families. It creates an opportunity for relationships to be celebrated.
It connects children with a broader sense of purpose. It also reinforces ideas about sharing.
The magic of Christmas, particularly for children, transcends all religious differences.
No matter what religion or culture you come from, watching the lighting of the tree in New York's Rockefeller Center is an awesome experience.
It connects children with a broader sense of purpose. It also reinforces ideas about sharing.
The magic of Christmas, particularly for children, transcends all religious differences.
No matter what religion or culture you come from, watching the lighting of the tree in New York's Rockefeller Center is an awesome experience.
And giving an unexpected helping hand is as much a gift to the person helping as to to the persons being helped."
May what remains of Christmas cling to you now and all through the New Year.
That's cool someone decorates the tree every year.
ReplyDeleteI believe Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birthday and thus the celebration of hope.
Alex:
ReplyDeleteIsn't it neat about that Christmas Tree mystery? For me, too, Christmas is the celebration of Christ coming to do what we could not do for ourselves. :-)
My wife and I Let Santa give the kids 3 gifts to remind them that Jesus received that on his birthday. I know technically the Magi didn't show up till later. My wife collects Nativities and every single one of them have the Magi in it. The kids can learn the technicalities later. The important thing is that they learn that baby Jesus grew up and Lived and Died a Vicarious life for them.
ReplyDeleteVery expressive, Roland.
ReplyDelete"No matter what religion or culture you come from, watching the lighting of the tree in New York's Rockefeller Center is an awesome experience."
As is keeping a sense of wonder.
I feel much the same. Some traditions which connect us to those we don't see often should be kept. Christmas reminds us to try and keep in touch.
'Sam' is wise. (at least in some things)
I do like watching my little grandchildren enjoy Christmas day. The magic is in their smiles and the excitement of getting something special. Children make Christmas a miracle.
ReplyDelete.......dhole
David:
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family tradition you and your wife are creating. The 3 Wise Men were always part of my Mother's Nativity Scene, too. :-)
D.G.:
Sam is wise except with his heart and who he loves! Meilori just glared at me.
To have a day to cherish those we often have neglected is a needed holiday, isn't it?
Donna:
Yes, children do make Christmas special, don't they? The rest of the year can turn us into Silas Marner, and Christmas melts our hearts again. :-)