I guess this makes it a white Christmas. It is, after all, the 3rd day of Christmas. While retailers here in the states would have us believe it’s all said and done–that the 12 Days of Christmas are all about sales and jingles leading up to the big day–it’s really nothing of the sort.

Now, those in Medieval England, they could teach us a thing or two about Christmastide . . .

For them it was twelve straight days of feasting and drinking, singing and dancing–of all around merry making.

Throw in a nap or two, and that’s something I could get use to!

After all, it seems more and more of the season is filled with preparation–baking and cooking, buying and wrapping. Then, in a blink of an eye, it’s done.

Let’s not give in just yet, shall we? Whether life as usual, or an extended holiday, let’s find a little extra time to revel. Let’s give this celebration a run for it’s money . . .

Cheers, my friends!

Well, Christmas Eve is nearly upon us, and they’re calling for snow . . . on Tuesday. That’s just rude. But given it’s the season of grace and all, I’ll let bygones be bygones–and enjoy my bright, sunny Christmas all the same.

As for you, dear readers, I pray you’ll take the time to look for magic–better yet, I hope you find it. I hope you find it in the wrapping of gifts and stuffing of stockings, in the decorating of cookies and sipping mugs of hot goodness, in gazing up at the twinkling lights and hearing the laughter of love ones, in keeping traditions of old and creating memories for the future, in snuggling in to watch a Christmas movie and reading the Nativity story.

Oh, and should you be blessed with a white Christmas, please make a snow angel for me. I promise to pay you back . . . some day . . . 

Merriest of Christmas wishes to you!

Last night my mum and I attended T.C.  Bird Planetarium’s The Star of Bethlehem program.

We sat there as the lights dimmed, the “sky” turned dark, and the stars appeared. With Christmas music playing softly in the background, the narrator began with a single verse: Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. {Matthew 2:2}

Thankfully, save the starlight, the room was enshrouded in black. You’d be hard pressed to see your own hand in front of your face, let alone the tears streaming down that of your neighbors. By the time we took a tour of the heavens, learned the latest advancements in space exploration, and got back to the story at hand–including theories for the star that led the three wise men–I was fully recovered. 

I even learned a thing or two. Mainly, yet again, we tend to get it all wrong. 

Ever notice how the star plays a significant role in our story? On the playbill, it’s right up there with Mary and Joseph. He’s a handsome light–a blinding light, seen by all. In reality, the magi are the only ones who recorded seeing such a star. 

I guess we just can’t help but add a bit of pageantry to the birth of Jesus; but that’s not the way God tends to work, is it?  While he does, indeed, work wonders–he does so without pomp; he simply meets us where we are. 

So it was with the star–it was simply a means to show three men the way. As the narrator reminded us, whether that star was a supernatural phenomenon seen by few or scientific happening visible to all, is quite beside the point. All that truly matters is it was fashioned by the same hand.

All that truly matters is that the magi looked up, and followed the path set before them.

Oh, that the same might be said of us . . .  

So it only natural the boy, too, would become a bishop. Dressed in a robe of red, he diligenty watched over those in his care. He was known for his kind and generous spirit, using his inheritance to help the poor, leaving anonymous gifts to those who needed them most.

It was his heart of giving that earned him his sainthood.

Of course, as so often happens of ordinary men, who become extraordinary saints, stories of his feats and wonders grew with each passing year . . .

Before long, he was not only attributed to signs and wonders, but magic. His red robe became lined with fur. He took up residence at the North Pole, adopted 8 reindeer, and a factory of elves. And his little round belly . . . it shook, when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly. 

So it was that Nicholas came to be known around the world as Papai Noel | Tomten | Shengdan Laoren | Viejo Pascuero | Sinter Klaas | Father Christmas | Joulupukki | Pere Noel | Kanakaloka | De Kerstman | Mikulas | Winter Grandfather | Babbo Natale | Hoteiosho | Kaledu Senelis | Kerstman | Julenissen | Swiety Mikolaj | Julenisse | Kris Kringle | El Nino Jesus.

 Or simply, Santa Claus.

Happy December 1, my friends! The countdown has officially begun . . .

Speaking of countdowns, do your holiday traditions include an advent wreath, advent calendar, or maybe an advent candle? 

And by candle I mean one you light every night from December 1st through the 24th. A few years back my Danish friend sent me two tapers and a pillar. Those days may be long gone, but the tradition has been set. 

This year, however, I’ve come up lacking. Sure, I meant to order one; but as you can see, it never happened. Now, here we are on the first.

Of course, I’m sure it has not escaped your attention that if I was one of those cool DYI-ers, I’d simply take the taper I have and make my own advent candle–maybe I’d even whip up a few extra, to sell on my Etsy site. Alas, I cannot draw a straight line to save my life. I’m also a perfectionist. So if I had to sit and look at crooked lines for the next 24 days . . . well, let’s just say there wouldn’t be much merry.

So I’ll light my plain white taper that sits next to my simple white natvitiy, and offer my thanks that Christmas is for everyone–even the uncrafty, such as I!

You know, I like those countries that allow an extra day or two for the Christmas holiday.  They know a thing or two.  We are, after all, celebrating the birth of the greatest life that ever lived.  You can’t expect the frivolity to end in one day.  Please.

Though we did manage to pack a lot in that one day.  We ate entirely too much food, lounged about, and took a stroll in the park.  We had us a visit from Santa; young and old—we were spoiled beyond measure; and we loved every minute.   

You know me, I could go on—and, more than likely, I will.  But for now, I must turn leftover ham into Asparagus Ham dinner, give Barefoot’s new Sweet Red a try, and nibble Christmas treats. 

In other words, I’ve got to keep the Christmas cheer going just a bit longer. 

Hope the same might be said of you …

{The Nativity, by Gerard van Honthorst (1590-1656)}

Another Christmas is upon us.  There are gifts to give and those to unwrap, meals to prepare and share.  As we celebrate, let us not forget to find a quiet moment or two to remember the true meaning of Christmas… 

Let us fall in line with the shepherds and wise men, following that great and shining star; let us smell the dusty road, hear their tales of wonder, and see the angels sing; let us join this odd gathering as they tiptoe through the straw, kneel at a musty manager, and offer precious gifts to a newborn king.  What will we give?  What will we take away?  These things let us treasure, and ponder them in our hearts.       

Merry Christmas, my friends.

xoxo

Here we are on the Eve of Christmas.  Presents have been wrapped, stockings hung, sugar cookies await frosting.  Though I cannot promise they will turn out to be works of art, they should, at the very least, be good for a laugh.  It’s tradition. 

We’ll bring finger-foods and presents to my grandma’s … before coming home and opening gifts of our own.  Tomorrow we’ll awake to full stockings; we’ll eat cherry glazed ham and eggnog pie, and sip coffee while chatting.   We’ll read the Christmas story.  We’ll make new memories … maybe even a new tradition or two.  Because that’s tradition too. 

If you’re reading this during the holidays, chances are good it’s before your festivities commence, after you’ve laid them to rest–or you’re simply having yourself a quiet little celebration.  Whatever the case, thanks for including Mapgie & Muttonfly in your holiday activities.  I am constantly amazed that you take time out of your day to pay me a little visit–all the more so on holiday.  It does so warm my heart.

And as you set out toward festivities I pray for moments to bask in traditions of old, and the making of new …

{a table side serenade}

The other evening, as we drove to my dad’s for dinner, my sister suddenly exclaimed, “No … no, no, oh no!”  I nearly drove off the road looking for the police car, near collision, or body along side the road.  Alas, it was none other than Last Christmas playing on the radio. 

I feel her pain.

Said radio station began playing Christmas music a week before Thanksgiving.  Yes, you read that correctly. A week … before Thanksgiving.  Needless to say, if I hear “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer”one more time, someone is going down.  And let’s face it–there are better places to spend your holidays than a jail cell.

Perhaps it best I stick with a few favorites; songs like … 

It is His Birthday | The Oak Ridge Boys–The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas was a staple growing up.  To this day, I can’t hear It is His Birthday without feeling a mite giddy …

Worship the King | Sandy Patti–the same goes for Sandy Patti; the first time I heard this song I imagined it what the angels and shepherds sang on that night so long ago

White Christms | Bing Crosby–please; this one goes without saying …  

The First Noel | Al Green–oh how I love me some Al Green.  sigh. 

Music Box Christmas–as a teenager, my aunt and uncle owned the most magical Christmas store; one of the CDs they played was A Music Box Christmas; now, whenever I hear one of the songs I swear I smell the scent of pine and cinnamon, and glimpse the twinkling of lights, the intricate natvity displays and the festive trees

The Twelve Days of Christmas | John Denver & The Muppets–one word: Beeker 

Sleigh Ride | Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops–the next best thing to actually taking a sleigh ride … and you stay warm! 

Peace on Earth/Silent Night | Dean Martin–personally, I believe you cannot go wrong with the rat pack … and this one is a favorite 

Santa Baby | Eartha Kitt–I cannot believe anyone would even attempt to re-record this song.  Please.

Away in a Manager | Orla Fallon–I’ve always felt this song one more for children … until I heard this

Silent Night | Enya–a version that actually puts the peace back in the season …  

Might you have a few favorites; or do you prefer the sound of silence to any sort of Christmas music?

My weekend was quite full, actually.  And—as all years—I now recall why, exactly, I want to get preparations finished by the first of December.  After that, I just haven’t the time!

All the same, I had plenty to warm my heart … including the Tuba Christmas. It takes place each year, at our capital’s rotunda. A Christmas tradition, we go to cheer on my dad, snap photos, and take in the deep, boom of tuba’s at play.  It’s a grand affair … though, I must admit, this year I missed the little old man, who played his little old tuba, festooned with lights.  

Now with another weekend behind us, I’m looking forward to the arrival of family.  In just a few short days I’ll be able to attack my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew with hugs and kisses–I’m so excited!  Seriously.  It’s a bit insane. 

They, on the other hand, may not be so very, very thrilled.  The idea of traveling with a toddler for 22 hours has a funny way of putting a damper on the excitement. That said, you may want to send up a prayer … or twenty. 

And with that, I’m off to take inventory; but I leave you a few snapshots from Tuba Christmas, Boise-style …