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God Bless America
By Jerry L. Ginther
Most folks think of Christmas as a season rather than a single day, because the spirit of Christmas spans several weeks with the decorating, shopping and celebration. Nevertheless, there are so many enjoyable activities to attend, both secular and sacred, that the time passes in a whirlwind. The song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, doesn't come close to covering the season anymore. The preparations start earlier each year. It has been said for many years now, that the day after Thanksgiving Day is the busiest shopping day of the season. Notwithstanding, we see the stores preparing for sales several weeks prior to that. Frosty the snowman, Rudolph and Santa Claus are already appearing in advertisements in catalogs and magazines before Halloween. As a matter of fact, as I write this article our local stores are already stocking Christmas decor and gift items, and it's a month before Halloween.
The excitement in the air and on the faces of busy shoppers as the shopping season kicks off spreads throughout the country. If we have some snow on or before Christmas Eve it seems to fuel wintry thoughts of the season even more. The line from the poem, The Night Before Christmas, comes to mind with pictorial clarity, "The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the luster of midday to objects below." Poetry, music and plays all become part of the seasonal celebration, and the Salvation Army bell ringers bring to our ears the nostalgic sound of sleigh bells in the snow.
During the season, my wife displays a collection of fifteen nativity sets in our foyer and atop the piano. Some have tiny, battery-powered lights and all are surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight each evening. They are made of wood, ceramic, crystal and plastic with each displaying a little different perspective of the Holy Night.
When I think of Christmas traditions, I remember harvesting or purchasing a real tree. The refreshing fragrance of a crisp Douglas fir or spruce tree lingers for several days within the home adding a little extra something to the season. What would the season be without parades, evening carolers, and a candlelight communion service? Unwrapping gifts on Christmas Eve seems to be more in vogue these days. That sort of puts Santa Claus out of business, but excited children, still in their pajamas, unwrapping presents on Christmas morning still seems more conventional to me. Another I remember from childhood is the little 3 or 4 piece bands that used to play Christmas carols on city street corners during the shopping days. The bass notes of the tuba in the song, Good King Wenceslaus, are still bouncing around in my head.
I love being out on cold evenings, going from store to store, being in the crowds of busy shoppers scurrying about all wrapped up in warm scarves and mittens. Hearing the greeting, "Merry Christmas" from smiling faces, also adds warmth and joy to the evening outing. Who could imagine this time of year without the magic of this friendly greeting and the ringing of the bells produced by the Salvation Army volunteers? Also, each store's sound system playing Christmas music about roasting chestnuts and warm fires stimulates thoughts of a romantic and cozy holiday. The snow is outside; love and hot chocolate are inside; "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."
This is also the time of year when we say Good Bye to the old year and look forward to a brighter, happier new year. I'm wishing all of you a very, Merry Christmas and a most prosperous and Happy New Year!
Copyright © 2002 - 2017 Jerry Ginther, All rights reserved worldwide
