Tag: Christmas

O Holy Night

~ Lenore Diane ~ 2 Comments
Picture courtesy of http://www.shindo.or.kr

All religions have their holiest of holidays. For Christians, it is my understanding that Easter is the holiest of holidays, because it is when Christ was rose from the dead. While I’m not hear to argue which is ‘traditionally’ thought of as the holiest of holidays for Christians or any other religion, for me, the holiest of holidays is Christmas. And, for me, the holiest of Christmas songs (actually, the holiest of all songs) is ‘O Holy Night’.

As a parent, giving birth to my two boys was two of the holiest moments for me. The miracle of life – the wonder of what these tiny babies will grow into as adults. To me, the hope every new life brings is something to be considered holy. With regards to Christmas, the religious focus is the birth of Jesus Christ, and the belief He is the son of God. The birth of Jesus brings a new hope to some of the people of Jerusalem and surrounding nations. Regardless of your faith, hope is something we all turn to for strength at one time or another.

One of my most favorite things of the holidays is hearing every singer’s own rendition of ‘O Holy Night’. For me, ‘O Holy Night’ embodies hope. Hearing the words to ‘O Holy Night’ brings tears to my eyes, each and every time. The birth of Christ stopped the world, if only for a moment, as hope filled all nations. Not a Christian? Again, I equate it to the birth of your children. With every birth, the world stops, if only for a moment, as hope fills the hearts of the family. Birth is a holy moment.

Interestingly, a recent study indicates 9 out of 10 Americans celebrate Christmas, though not necessarily from a religious aspect. And, the 9 out of 10 includes atheists, Muslims and Jews. A story about the study can be found via USA Today, by clicking here. Keeping in tune with the 9 out of 10 Americans, this Christmas allow yourself to stop, if only for a moment. Grab hold of hope. Grab hold of your own ‘O Holy Night’, and hold on to that hope as long as you can. With hope, we strive for better. With hope, we are better. And, I wish you a very merry ‘O Holy Night’.

All Aboard! It’s Friday!

~ Lenore Diane ~ 2 Comments

.:: The Train
I hate that train. Hate it. Okay, so whenever my Mom heard us use the word ‘hate’, she would quickly say, “Hate is a very strong word.” Well Mum, with all due respect, I hate that train.

I love my sister. Love her. But, say it with me – I hate that train.

My sister bought everyone in our family a train for Christmas one year. I don’t remember the year. I don’t believe Rob and I had kids yet, so I’ll guess it was Christmas 2005. The train is suitable for circling Christmas trees. The train is NOT suitable for kids to play with it. Have I mentioned we have two boys? We do. They love the train.

Every year, since our kids could talk, we are asked, “Can we set up the train now?” After setting it up for them once during the ‘off season’, I quickly learned to make it a Christmas-only train. Well, when Christmas approaches – as in Thanksgiving day – our boys begin the quest to get the train set up and ready for play. This year, we brushed them off until December 16th. Go ahead, check your calendar – today is Dec. 17th.

The train is set up. This year, the train is set up downstairs in the garage. I had my first run-in with the train today, with Joe pleading for me to help him fix it. Even though I knew good and well, the train would topple over again the instant it was touched, I agreed to help him fix it. And, being the bad Mom, I muttered ‘I hate this train’ the entire time, while Joe jumped up and down, excited to play with it.

I have a video of Joe playing with the train. And yes, I took the time to upload it to YouTube [click here]. Why not see what all the hub-bub is about for yourself, eh? If you do happen to watch the video, note the rail cars that are off the track. I suppose even Joe tires of fixing the train over and over again. Then again, look at his face. One cannot deny the enjoyment he gets from playing with the train. Yeah, I may not like the train, but I love the joy it brings the boys. All aboard!!

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Let the boys enjoy the train.
Even if it drives us insane.

For Christmas comes just once a year –
Drop the hate and pick up the cheer!

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.:: A Few of My Favorite Things
I’m excited. As Christmas nears, my excitement grows. I haven’t listened to many holiday tunes this Christmas season, and we’ve only visited Santa’s house once. Still, I’m excited.

This week I worked late at my boss’s house. While we were finishing up the billing, a tedious task, I found myself thinking more of Christmas than billing. (Shhh.. don’t tell my boss) Of course, the fact that my boss has the coolest of holiday decorations throughout her house may have something to do with the Christmas distraction.

Joe had his first school Christmas program this week, which added to my excitement. How neat it was to see Joe on stage singing with his classmates. And, how comical it was to watch Joe fidget and focus on just about anything and everything, while also managing to sing all the songs.

Joe came home from school after his holiday party at school. Donned in a cute new apron, he was excited to sit down and eat the gingerbread man he decorated in school. Excitement is a wonderful thing to catch.

Christmas lights decorate countless houses throughout our community. During the holidays, driving at night becomes a magical journey.

Friends and neighbors share their favorite festive baked goods. Holiday cards fill the mailboxes, with pictures and tales from the year. And Christmas videos become viral, as everyone loves a little holiday diversion.

This morning, Joe removed the critter out of the pocket for day 17 on our Advent Calendar. 8 days left until Christmas! May the excitement continue to grow, while we enjoy each and every day.

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Be kind, and take care of yourself and others.

Fat Friday

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

.:: Prep Time
Today, if you celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, you may be suffering from a food or family hangover. As we loaded up our car and got ready for the drive to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving, I had to laugh at the grumbling and groaning taking place. So much hustle bustle in preparing for a family function can make for cranky kids and cranky spouses. Once everyone was in the car, I noticed a long period of silence. (Which is no small feat with two boys under the age of 6.) Apparently, we all needed a moment (or five) to decompress from the prep.

Once we reached my sister’s house an hour later, we were all smiles. Happy to be at our destination, we were ready to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. My smile grew wider when my brother arrived. My brother’s drive is shorter, just 5 minutes, which leaves little decompression time. And, based on the facial expression of my brother’s two boys, it seemed as though their family prep time also brought with it some grumbling, groaning and crankiness. Ah, the holidays!

Tonight, some of my siblings are heading to our house. We will enjoy dinner together, and then we’ll head out to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. We’re all looking forward to it. Although, since folks are coming here – Rob, the boys and I won’t have decompression time after we tackle the family-visiting-prep. Uh-oh.

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The holiday craziness has begun –
‘Tis the season for food, folks and fun.

Shopping, wrapping and baking, too –
The list is long – so much to do.

The family time makes life worth living.
So, enjoy the crazy and thanks keep giving.

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Be kind, and take care of yourself and each other.