This End of the Year time is crammed full of celebrations and traditions, as varied as the homes and spaces we occupy. For me, listening to Christmas albums spinning on an actual record player while wrapping presents is a tradition as old as decorating dozens (and dozens) of homemade sugar cookies with loved ones. New celebrations become traditions, too, like an accessory gift exchange with girlfriends or a neighborhood happy hour.
This year, I was happy to participate in our church’s annual Christmas Pageant. The children who sang in the choir or acted as shepherds were so well behaved. The live animals, not so much. The camel was placed in time-out for bad behavior. Rather than risking him breaking away and tearing through the crowd or down the street, he stayed in the pen while his donkey and goat friends escorted the Holy Family and Wise Men to the manger. One of the critters had a bit of stage fright. His tiny but smelly deposits along the path added authenticity to the enactment.
The church member who played Joseph held his baby who played Jesus high above the shepherd children and live animals and the choir sang “Everybody’s Talkin’ ‘Bout Jesus.” The wise men bowed and the children smiled. And the goat brayed his happy note to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Whichever Holiday you and your family celebrate, may it be Merry, Happy and Joyous and may your traditions, new and old, serve as a year-long reminder of promised Peace.
Quote of the Week…
“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.” B.C. Forbes, 1880 – 1955
Delight in the Light…
Yesterday was Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and yet, it falls during the season of light; candles in various faith traditions flicker amidst strings of bulbs adorning houses and trees. While my family celebrates the birth of the Christ Child (in faith-based as well as commercial traditions), I appreciate and respect other…
Patty Mayeux Blog 
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