The quiet November days after Thanksgiving prepare me for the upcoming excitement of December. Christmas break from school. Hopes for snow. Decorations, special foods, music. The intoxicating evergreen aroma right here in my living room. Christmas Eve's magic and the joyous energy of Christmas Morning. And finally that calming week which culminates in a Brand New Year.
All worth looking forward to. Not hurrying toward, but savoring the moments from now to then.
I'm breathing deeply, staying calm, remembering what it's all about.
This Christmas poem comes to mind.
Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913
A frosty Christmas eve when the stars were shining,
I traveled forth alone where westward falls the hill.
And from many, many a village in the darkness of the valley,
Distant music reached me, peals of bells a-ringing.
Then sped my thoughts to olden times, to that first of Christmas's
When shepherds who were watching heard music in the fields.
And they sat there and they marveled and they knew they could not tell
Whether it were angels or the bright stars a-singing.
But to me heard afar it was starry music,
The singing of the angels, the comfort of our Lord.
Words of old that come a-traveling by the riches of the times,
And I softly listened, as I stood upon the hill.
~~~by Robert Bridges, 1936
11 comments:
Ah, I am with you in the quiet excitement between such lovely holidays. If only I were already moved so that I could be bringing out the Christmas decor!
PS - I was sorting through drawers of old notes and such from the last, oh, 8 years or so (!!), and found a scribbled quote from Merton from back in the day when I had NO idea who he was. It made me think of you and smile =)
You're having a different sort of Christmas this year, aren't you, Marianne, one that you will always remember.
Tom and I moved here in mid-December of 1987, and I'll always remember moving day. It snowed! The boys, then six and three, drank hot chocolate in the front yard, and in the new house, while Tom, my dad and mom, and I unpacked cardboard box after box and all the furniture. We were happy that day. My dad helped the boys make a snowman that actually lasted a few days. Within the week I found the decorations, hung them up, and Christmas came the same as always. Little did we know we'd be living in this town still today, 20 years later. The adventure continues!
My curiosity is getting the better of me. I'm wondering what the quote said. = )
Good ol' Thomas Merton. So happy that words from him made you smile and think of me. Feels good.
I love the way you keep your blog up to date with the times - christmas pictures and quotes and all... ahhhh.
You are getting in the mood early, well why not. I guess it's not too far away, and really always with us: the birth of new life, hope, and making room at the Inn.
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I totally agree with you! Big surprise, huh?
Christmas is what WE make of it. If Christmas is commercialized, it's because WE let it. If Christmas is fast-paced and hectic, we have over scheduled ourselves.
We all need to take control and celebrate Christmas the way that brings us joy.
Myself? I enjoy simplicity and tradition.
I LOVE that poem!!
I printed it out and hung it on my fridge. Thanks!
Thanks, Cecily!
Paddy, yep, I stick my little toes in the Christmas waters early, and eventually am in over my head Ha! Nah, it's such a special time and with kids in the home, well, I really enjoy the excitement. And you are right, Christmas is always in my heart.
Thanks F2U! Glad you like what you see here.
Tshs, yeah, big surprise! :) It's all about simplicity and tradition for me, too. Much more satisfying that way, meaningful and special.
You might have heard that poem sung a time or two if you have a recording of JD's Christmas with the Muppets album. ;) I've always loved this poem - and the music that Lee Holdridge wrote goes perfectly with the mood of the poem. JD does it justice.
I have that album, but I haven't listened to it for a couple of years. I'll have to transfer it to CD and listen more closely. ;)
My family and I are becoming excited too in the very things you described. Thanks for this post of Christmas cheer Cherie and for the reminder to stay calm and remember what it's all about. Love.
Lovely poem. I think I'll copy TSHSMOM and print and post it. I'll have to dig out my JD record album too!
Tshs and Annie - Happy listening!
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