December is upon us once again, marking the close of another year. It’s a season bustling with activity, especially for mothers! By now, Christmas puddings and cakes have likely been made or bought, letters to Father Christmas written and sent (whether by post or up the chimney), and presents either purchased, organized, or at least thought about. Christmas lights are tested, bulbs replaced, tempers soothed, and, if all else fails, new lights bought. Perhaps that’s just my household, though; yours may be far better organized! But December is more than just Christmas Day. Before the big celebration comes Advent. For children, and many adults, it’s the joy of opening a tiny window on an Advent calendar each day, often rewarded with a little chocolate treat. Those chocolates are hard to beat! This season also brings the excitement of Christmas markets and craft shows, tempting us to find unique gifts. I recall a December spent in France, visiting a small village fete. The cottage doors were open, inviting us in to see what was on offer, and often to share a drink. Stalls lined the streets, selling all sorts of wares, food, and drink. I had the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted from one such stall (you’ve probably guessed by now that I love chocolate). Carol singing filled the air, with different tunes echoing from every corner, quite a contrast to our churches, where we try to sing the same carol, though sometimes I’m not convinced we’re all on the same tune! At the heart of it all is joy and celebration. The first Christmas, the birth of Jesus, was a time of happiness and togetherness. We gather with friends and family to celebrate, just as people and animals gathered with Jesus’ family. There may not have been the stress of tangled lights, but they did have a bright star in the sky, a much better idea, if you ask me. Our Christmas festivities are meant to reflect this joy, though it’s easy to get distracted by the commercial side when shops are pressing us to buy more. Let’s remember to embrace the true spirit of the season: joy, generosity, and togetherness.
This month’s book simply must be A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A timeless reminder of the meaning of Christmas and the power of kindness.
God Bless
Maureen Kendall