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!