The Christmas Tree Is Coming Down

The Christmas tree is looking noticeably barer as the day wears on. In fact, it has been denuded entirely. It's down to the bare branches, and the lights that it came with already installed.

What a process. All the totes, plastic bags, cardboard boxes with lids, and the rest. Some stuff is wrapped in tissue. The moving angel, that sets by the tree, is in a bag with a bag over her head. I see a big bearded Old World Santa peeking out of a plastic store bag.

Down below the tree, the musical merry go round horses are silent and still. A dog statue in a cap and scarf looks just as attentive as he always does. Little knick knacks relating to Christmas are coming down. Christmas is definitely over.

The Christmas videos are still setting next to the TV, but of course no one wants to watch them.

New Year's is almost over with. The holidays have come to an end, virtually. It's time to get back to normal. The season of no lights.

The Stores Closed

There's nothing that I really need. Anyway, it's not a good night to be out, with all the snow.

Still, on holidays, when almost everything is closed, it feels like there's something wrong. It's nice that all those people have the day off, of course. Even so, it's reassuring to know that stores are open just in case.

Christmas Stuff On Sale

I was going by some stores tonight, and I see all the Christmas stuff is on sale.

It's going, going, gone ... at least in value, when the big day hits. It's a double edged sword when it comes to holidays where they stock a lot of merchandise. Someone somewhere (one would assume) is losing a little money. But I don't know.

There's a lot of people who buy Christmas stuff after Christmas, including my family. We got a nice white Christmas tree after Christmas last year, kept it in a box in the basement, and it looked great this year setting out.

One of the weirdest customs I've ever heard about Christmas is when someone goes out on Christmas Eve and buys a Christmas tree and puts it up. At that point, what's the use? It's no good in a couple days.

Word Of The Father

I love the lyrics of many of the Christmas songs. But I'm getting tired tonight and can't think of all the ones I like. But it's plenty of them! Like the lyrics of "What Child Is This?" or "O Little Town of Bethlehem." "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."

I love the lyrics of "O Come All Ye Faithful," for sure, especially the ones that say, "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing."

Yes, Lord, we greet you,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to you be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing:
O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

That's so beautiful, going along with the famous prologue to the Gospel of John, of course. You've got the Father ... then the expression of the Father in the Son of God. It really exalts one's thoughts to think such things. And with Christmas we have that opportunity. All the rest of the time, too, but it's very vivid when we hear the Christmas carols.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Christmas is coming. Here's a beautiful picture. This was among my tiny collection of holy cards.

Did you happen to see the "Census" poster that someone made? It suggests that it's a good thing to take part in the census, because, according to the Bible, that's what brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem where Jesus would be born.

I think it's a nice poster. But of course there are some folks up in arms over it. It seems like it had something to do with Hispanic ministers being opposed to it. One of them, I read, said it was "blasphemous" to use the name of Jesus or God for anything other than worshiping. That doesn't make a bit of sense, since we obviously would use these names in regard to discussing many things about religion and life. So that guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

But anyway, for Christmas we don't want disagreement and disagreeable people. We'll just forgive the guy for being ignorant, just like Jesus did from the Cross. The guy "knows not what he's doing."

That's a beautiful picture. I love the stars and things. I love Joseph's very rustic, monk-like haircut. He's handsome and Mary is beautiful. At first I thought Jesus was naked, but looking closer he's in a onesy. And about to get warmer with a nice cloth from His mother. So beautiful

Christmas Music Is Starting

I'm starting to sing Christmas music. I haven't listened to much of it yet, although I was listening to a Slim Whitman Christmas album a few weeks ago.

But the usual songs are coming to mind. I like ones like "Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow, hang a shining star up on the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now." Real sentimental stuff.

"Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore..." That's so pretty.

Or "I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me..." It's so sentimental. This looks like one of those weird years where I probably won't make it "home" for Christmas, even though I maybe should do it anyway, since you never know how many there will be left.

Merry Christmas

Well, it's August! So let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas.

It is a blessed time of year, certainly, and it revives the ancient hope that all of us have, of "Peace on Earth, good will toward men."

And it also has its fun side -- no big secret there -- since most of us have great memories of what we're going to get, what Santa has put in our little sock, and of the family meal and gathering. And who can forget visions of sugarplums?

May all the joy of the holidays be yours this year, from my family to yours! Merry Christmas, everyone!