Rambling Fridays: Old Fashion Christmas!

Give Me An Old Fashion Christmas!

Remember the old song that’s sung at Christmas time (one rendering by Andy Williams is lovely)? “My Favorite Things.” Always loved that crazy song. I have a feeling it has a deeper meaning than just the favorite things list.

Whiskers on kittens and warm woolen mittens. Coziness.

Copper kettles and raindrops on roses? How much nicer can you get?

Brown paper packages tied with string? That sends my curiosity sky high.

And who can resist the sound of bells whether from doors or sleighs? Can you taste the schnitzel and apple strudels?

Just the thought of wild geese flying with the moon on their wings: love it!

Snowflakes landing on your face, white dresses with blue satin sashes, and silver white winters all provoke pleasant thoughts.

But wait! What about the dog bites, the bee stings and sadness?

It’s then you can remember all those favorite things of the season that send the bad things skidding away.

Besides the above fun items, here’s a few more that I’ve found lightens my sadness and stirs me into a nostalgic mood when the busyness gets too much, the getting-ready-for-whatever-pressure is too tight, and the wondering if I’ll ever get done reaches a limit. When I remember the good, the load lightens.

Baby kisses–is there anything sweeter than an innocent child?

Grandson’s excitement opening packages. Grandson Jonathan thought opening the packages (at two years) was so much fun, he got into the act with Grandpa’s packages too! And as he grows older, he still enjoys helping Grandpa open his packages.

Christmas ornaments that have memories attached to them. I have some from when my sons were in grade school with their pictures on them. Still treasure these.

Mantels filled with caroler figurines, Santas, nativities, and garlands strung with lights, cones, bulbs and berries. Good stuff!

Colored lights and white shimmering lights on Christmas trees. One of my favorite things is to look at the decorated houses and trees during this season. It speaks of light and happiness, joy and peace! And, really, is there an ugly tree anywhere? Even the one we had to cut down on our farm that was a true eyesore. Our grandsons looked with big eyes at that one!

My hubby singing “O Holy Night” No, he’s not a professional singer, but he loves to sing. Unlike some that have to be pressured into it, he pours his heart into the effort, and I’m blest listening to him.

Reading Doctor Seuss to children. What fun to read of Cindy Lou and no matter how the Grinch tried, he couldn’t stop Christmas. No one can. If laws were passed that we couldn’t celebrate it, Christmas can live–in our hearts! The magic and hope can continue.

The biblical account of Jesus’ birth read right before we open packages. We started this practice when our sons were little, and I’ve loved listening to my husband’s rendering of the verses. How important it is to share God’s truth with our family!

The Christmas table laden with too much food, beautiful settings, laughter and prayer. What a real blessing that we have so much. And one special privilege is inviting someone who might not have a family to share in our happiness.

Holding hands while grace is said. Another great tradition that I hope our grandchildren will pass down to their children. The togetherness in the act, and the faith being spoken–what a treasure!

Gifts that have meaning. Gifts don’t have to be expensive in my eyes. Something from the heart is the best gift of all. I’ve been gifting my daughter-in-law a photo album of our grand boys. Pictures I’ve taken through the year and making copies for that album. I get a delight in watching her turn the pages, a smile on her face.

An old-fashion Christmas with beauty and love, joy and happiness, peace and good will. Give me that anytime over a sterilized, commercial Christmas. It’s the kind that lasts!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Story of Silent Night

The phrase repeats itself over and over again in his mind:

Silent night, holy night,
Stille nacht, heilige nacht.

It's the first line from a poem this young Austrian priest had written two years before. Now he can't get the phrase out of his mind. "Silent night, holy night."

Tonight is Christmas Eve and St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, north of Salzburg, will be chock-full of people. Father Joseph Mohr has a homily in mind, a message for his flock on this sacred night, but he needs a carol, something special to cap off the service.

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright...

The words won't go away. "I need a tune!" he says out loud, shaking his head. "I wonder if Franz can help me. I hope it's not too late." Franz Gruber is the schoolteacher in the nearby village of Arnsdorf -- a gifted musician, organist at the Arnsdorf church, and occasional substitute organist at St. Nicholas. "Franz will help me!" he says to himself. "He can't resist a musical challenge."

Quickly now he slings on his heavy coat, dons a fur cap and gloves, and ventures into the brisk December morning. The snow is crunchy underfoot as he makes his way across the churchyard towards Arnsdorf, just a 20 minute walk. "Silent night, holy night ... silent night, holy night." The rhythm of the words echoes with each step.

Elizabeth opens the door at his knock. "Father Mohr, how nice of you to stop by. Franz will be glad to see you." She takes his coat and ushers him in. Franz is picking something out on his guitar.

"Franz, remember that poem I told you about: 'Silent Night'?" says Mohr. "I know it's too late to ask, but could you help put a tune to it? I want to sing it tonight for Christmas Eve."

Gruber's face lights up. A challenge. A song. He takes the lyrics from the priest and begins to say them over and over, looking for a cadence. Then he hums a line and scratches it down.

Mohr soon tires of the process and begins to play with the children. But within an hour or so, Gruber seems to have a melody and is working out the chords on his guitar. "Father, how does this sound?" he calls and begins to sing the words:

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm all is bright...

He stops to make a correction in the manuscript, and then continues:

...'Round yon virgin, Mother and Child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Father Mohr is ecstatic. On the second verse Gruber's deep voice is joined by Mohr's rich tenor. Elizabeth, baby on her hip, who has been humming along, now joins them on the last verse. The song fills their home with its gentle words and memorable melody.

More tomorrow . . .




Christmas hints:
Wanna buy a live, cut tree? Better remember these things before you head to that tree farm to cut your own!

• Don't leave home without tools and measurements. How much room to you need? How tall of a tree do you want? Width? Take gloves (yucky sap!) and a small saw. Don't forget your camera!
• Shop early or online.
• Know what type of tree you want: Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, White Spruce, Eastern White Pine, White (Concolor) Fir, Virginia Pine.
• If you shop at a shopping tree lot, test for freshness (look for dryness, musty smells, brown needles or excessive needle loss).
• If you shop at a shopping tree farm, expect to do a lot of walking! Ask ahead about services and pricing.

Quote:
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. --Charles Dickens



Blessings!