12 Days: Wise Men

12 Days - I made it! Christmas Eve! Thank you for joining my blog journey this Holiday.

I have always been fascinated by the story of the 3 Kings. The three magi have been described not only as wise men, but also as kings, Persian priests, and astrologers. Epiphany is the end of the Christmas season, 12 days after Christmas. According to legend, the first magi was Melichior (or Melchior – 'king of light') the second was known as the King of Persia; Gathaspa (Gaspar or Caspar – 'the white one') the third; the King of India, and Bithisarea (or Balthazar or Baltasar – 'lord of the treasures') the King of Arabia. These Wise Men started the gift-giving custom of Christmas by bringing gold (significance - a king), frankincense (significance - a holy person), and myrrh (significance - death/burial oils) to the Christ child on Epiphany, the day on which the infant was presented. I read a story somewhere that told a tale of miraculous things happening to these kings once they returned to their homelands.

Often I will put on my Christmas letter "Wise Men Still Seek Him" because I think that saying is so clever - it isn't really referring to the kings, but to us -- as we search for happiness, it will be a lifelong journey to heaven.  I am a Christian that follows the Roman Catholic Tradition. I am aware of the other traditions related to the Winter Seasons - Solstice,  Hanukkah, Eid, and those that do not celebrate any holiday. I was surprised when my Muslim friend's daughter showed me the Christmas tree she drew - even though her family had none. In the drawing, her Dad was on a ladder hanging a star! I wanted to share with you today how much I love experiencing all of the kindness, excitement and joy that comes at this time of year. Whether that love and happiness comes from shopping, chocolates, advent, cookies,  angels, caroling, charity, business, snow, toys or ornaments...it is wise to continue searching and finding that special love that can fill our hearts at this time of year. May you capture that love, joy and peace and may it burn brightly within you all year long! I wish for you Happy Holidays and a very prosperous New Year, and no matter what form it comes to you, more than anything... I wish you love!

12 Days:Ornaments

On our tree there are years of special ornaments...this year Greg and I went to an 'ornament-exchange' party. I got a glass acorn! Cool! My frog with the strap-on candy nose and deer antlers broke this year! Mah! We have lots of ducks, nutcrackers, and baby's firsts...I also have gotten Veronica some special ornaments of whatever cartoon she was into that year, sponge bob, power puffs...this year she found our Christmas shopping list and started whinning when she saw the word 'ornament' next to her name! Ha Ha Ha (she's gonna love it!) You can see behind this deer is a bell from Teresa's wedding :-).
Our tree is rather aclecctic, but I love it! I found this poem online...enjoy!

Don't Put Those Ornaments Away!
by Patricia M Eichler

My putting away the Christmas ornaments inspired this poem.

!!!

Joy is

Innocence.

Free of judgments,

Relying not on opinions,

Lacking constant attention,

Avoiding fear of the unknown,

Knowing that God is in control,

Not worrying about what we lack,

Getting along with what you have,

Finding a pathway to eternal life,

Knowing Godly love is practiced,

Realizing opinions aren't truths,

Free of making Judgments,

And a life free of guilt.

A Spiritual life

Is joy

!

12 Days: Toys

There is a saying that "Christmas is for children"...well, I certainly can see how they are able to enjoy the holiday in a care-free-innocent way! TOYS! I remember the toys I hoped for when I was a kid...we would get the JCPenney or SEARS Christmas Wish catalogs. We would go through them and circle things we liked. No internet lists, no giftcards, we got TOYS! One year I got a barbie doll and within minutes my sister had broken her leg off! OH NO! Also I remember hoping for bouncing balls and jacks, and simple things to play with! One of the best toys ever I remember was the 'Mouse Trap' game! We played that for hours! I just love the commercials that are playing right now where the kids open the present and it is a trip to Disneyland...and they are leaving right then - how cool would that be? The nice thing about getting toys for elementary school kids is that they are on vacation and can play them for hours and hours. It would be so cool to go out into the street and compare toys, share toys or play together with all the neighborhood kids!
Every year Greg tried to buy at least one TOY for all of us, yes, even the adults! I got a bubble blowing kit last year, I can't wait to see what happens this year!

12 Days: Snow

Snow is such a perfect Christmas decoration! If you think about it religiously, you can identify rich symbolizm. White, it is pure. It covers, and once melts, washes the world. If you have ever stood in a snowfall you know how peaceful it feels. The snow itself dampens the sounds of the world. It creates peace. In our society today, we are over-stimulated. There is constant noise in our lives; on the TV on the radio, on our ipods, on the street, and in our very own thoughts--endlessly buzzing. 
Standing in snow can be a spiritual experience. You are made aware of your breath (like in yoga) because you can see it in the air. You feel the coldness come into your lungs. You are aware of your hands and toes because you are either bundled up in gloves and uggs or your hands and feet are being nipped at with a chill. This is a photo of me as a girl in the snow in Norfolk VA. We are enjoying the snow, building snowmen...just playing. I have only had the opportunity to be 'in the snow' a few times in my life, but when I have, it has been magical!

12 Days: Busy

I appreciate being a part of the youth ministry at Good Shepherd, as well as the Classified Senate at my work, and I love my new running hobby, oh and facebook, working on websites.... Last Tuesday the youth coordinator told us a story about how Satan can make you 'busy' to keep you from giving attention to the loving relationships in your life...that hit me kinda hard. My family has been all about 'busy'. My Dad was a captain in the Navy and always had a long list of projects. We were all taught to be 'defined' by how much we accomplished each day. So when I heard his message, it really made me think and pray about how 'busy' I am.

The Holidays are a busy time of year. There's so much to do, so many people you want to thank and so many gifts you want to share with people that make a difference for you all year long.

I hope to slow down enough to give my son and daughter and husband the very best of my love...They are what I am living for!

12 Days: Charity

At this time of year, people find it easier to help each other out. They have a few extra minutes if they see someone they can help - or if they don't know, they open thier wallets to give thier treasure to the charities that are dedicated to helping others. Last Christmas my nephew was helped by a handful of complete strangers when he lost his wedding ring in the snow...people helped him for a couple of hours scratch in the snow and ice, they went to purchase a metal detector and batteries...and in the end, not only was the ring found, but Aaron was impressed with the charity of the people in his neighborhood.

I remember the first time I introduced 'charity' to my 7 year old son, Ben. At the time, I explained as we entered the store, that the man standing in uniform outside was collecting toys for kids that had none. I asked Ben to pick something out that he really liked -- that way we could be sure the other kids would like it! After we finished shopping, Ben had selected the action figure of 'Earthworm Jim' and we went to give it to the soldier. Ben started to cry! It was very hard for him to give up that toy. In the end, he finally did...I convinced Ben that Santa knows about how he might be able to get Earthworm Jim for him at Christmas...especially knowing he was being nice to other kids. I'll never forget that toy or that day!

Last year my friend Kurt challenged me to find someone to give some food and $10 away to at Christmas. It wasn't hard. I had a conversation with a homeless man at outside the yogurt shop. He was a bit scary, but I did it! Kurt had a handful of $10 bills and blankets he took around town on his own. I was inspired by his generousity! The act of kindness is more important than how much we give. I believe change starts with small acts of kindness - especially at the holidays!

12 Days: Caroling

Last year at Christmas, I was fortunate enough to go Caroling with a few Red Robe Choir alumni at the retirement home where my former choir director, Bob Boucher, was a resident. His eyes lit up when we came to sing. He even directed one of our carols. He passed away on March 25, 2010, but I am so glad to have had the opportunity to be in the group of musicians to last sing for him. We delighted him and all the other residents, if I don't say myself.

The teachers in our CVT department put on Santa hats and carol through the campus each year. One does have to be brave to do that these days knowing that you are affiliating with a Christian tradition...I believe singing carols is a beautiful display of joy and cheer, no matter the religion. (Hey, anyone see this week's episode of "Glee"?)
When I was in girl scouts we went to our local High School (Indian River) and stood on the football field in the shape of a tree. Each of us were given a rubber band and a piece of colored cellophane. We were instructed to bring our flashlights. When we all got in place and put the cellophane on our flashlights, they turned off the football field lights and we stood and sang carols as a living tree with about 100 different colored lights...It was very cool and didn't feel 'religious' at all to me.
Christmas *is* a holy celebration of love, to me. I challenge anyone that doesn't know what to do or think about the 'Holidays': take inventory of the good things going on in your life (not the bad), notice the good in others, (try not to find faults) enjoy the beauty of the winter-time. I had a friend say to me recently, Christmas is for children to get gifts. I replied, 'open your heart', find the time to give,  reconnect with your family and friends. Even if it was nothing more than that...just like singing carols, we can all use more permission to share joy in our world!

12 Days: Angels

The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary told the children of Medjugorie that more souls enter heaven on Christmas Day than any other day of the year.

Home for the holidays...I am thinking of all my family members that are not any longer here on Earth, but are now heavenly creatures enjoying peace and eternal joy in heaven.

Missing family at the holidays...My heart breaks for all our family and friends who are having holidays without a loved one for the first time or the 20th time. We miss our family when we gather in celebration.

I like to imagine that the angel on the top of my Christmas tree represents the angels that are my family...My family angels ARE with me and see and hear all the joys and sorrows I am feeling. They share the songs, the wonderful cooking smells, the smiles the hugs, and they see our lonely eyes gleam with tears imagining the empty place at the table.

When the day turns into night,
And you’re way beyond my sight, I think of you, I think of you.
When the night turns into day, And you still are far away, I think of you, I think of you.
Even when you are not here, We still can be so very near.
I want you to know, my dear,
I think of you.
~ Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way

12 Days: Cookies

I know I am behind on my posts by a couple days. December is, I think, the busiest month of the year for me. Not only are you getting ready to attend celebrations, but you are atttending celebrations!
Tonight I made Christmas cut-out cookies for a cookie exchange at work. I remember my mom making these sugar cookies. As I recall them, I remember each being a work of art! My sister Kathy, a real artist, has made great works of Christmas art, including Gingerbread houses and ice-sculptures that would really dazzle.
I remember my first attempt at Christmas cut out cookies...My mother-in-law was so polite when she ate them. I used too much baking soda and they were really bitter!! She was so nice, and didn't say anything...of course the real problem was the mess I left in the kitchen! Christmas cookies are hard to make!

I am proud to say, that I did not buy the pre-made 'sugar-log' but made it all from scratch and the icing too! AND the best part is, they taste good! Uh-mazing. I guess I won't be too ashamed to share them!

12 Days: Advent

Advent:

"Make straight in the desert--a highway..for our God..." When I attended SDSU, I was fortunate enough to learn many of the songs from Handel's "Messiah". This music moves me still today.

In hearing the gospel at Mass today, I envision John the Baptist shouting his message to a group of eager people in a hot, and dry and 'road-less' desert.

  

In my musical training, I learned that one must understand the music in order to sing it correctly. Understand the words, not only in the meaning, but in the heart.

When I hear the words 'make straight, a highway...', I kinda think of the movie "Cars" and the song "Life is a Highway", and when I put the two images of John the Baptist and Lightning McQueen together, I see myself standing at the end of the road out in the desert, and God is driving towards me in the car and I have 'fixed' the road (like in the movie) for Him to drive on. What's exciting to me is to think the God WANTS to RACE into my life. 

He needs a highway - you can't speed on the curves, therefore - I need to create that 'straight-away" for him. 

That is what 'Advent' is all about for me. I'm fixing my roads - getting them ready for someone that is eager to see me.

12 Days: Chocolates

I love chocolate and coffee. My daughter will often hear me singing about both. Put them together and we have one of my favorite holiday drinks = MOCHA!
When I worked at a Mexican Restaurant, it was Cinnamon Coffee! The chef would just put 2 tablespoons of cinnamon in with the grinds in the coffeemaker.
Smelling coffee on Chrsitmas morning always meant that it was almost time to be allowed outside our rooms. We had to be sure the coffee was ready! Whenever I smell coffee brewing it takes me back through so many happy memories...church meetings, coffee houses, late night breakfast diners....
They say that your sense of smell is the most 'memory-connected' sense of all. I can remember so many images when I smell chocolate or coffee. I have helped out with our Sees Chocolate fundraisers over the years, and you wouldn't think that chocolate is a strong scent, but it really is! My car would smell so good for days after I delievered the Christmas chocolates. So, this holiday, if you are enjoying a Starbucks tall mocha frappicino with triple shots floating on top (my favorite) or enjoying a Hershey's "Kiss" I hope it brings you a wave of warmth and happy memories!

12 Days: Shopping

I started a little tradition of my own last year. I made 12 blog entries, in 12 days, for the first 12 days of December. Although I haven't posted since September, I still enjoy writing. I guess my schedule got a bit hectic? Where did November go?

I experienced Black Friday for the first time this year. Veronica and I got up at 4am and went to Starbucks, then to Target, then to Plato's Closet.

We didn't have any big savings plans, but it was sorta fun to call my sister-in-law at 5am and ask gift questions. Yes, she was also up at 4am...(really, 3am I think) and was at another Target location! My niece had been in the Best Buy line since 2am shopping too! I guess it was the Black Friday year.

We all have shopped for that perfect gift. It is usually one you find in the summer and special order and tuck away - just aching for the Holiday to come and give it! How many of you have tucked that gift away so well that you forgot you had it? Ha! Finding a thoughtful gift is a big Holiday Challenge to me. I have to find the right balance between budget and treasure and personal and thoughtful. Happy Shopping everyone!