Most claim Christmas creates busy days. I guess, so, but here is hoping all your "busy days" are also added "fun days".
Today was sunny, clear, 68 in the shade, much warmer in the Sun. I got a lot of garden clean up done. I hope to keep at that task next week.
Most of my friends, and I suspect most who read this blog 'lean' Christian due to the disparity in numbers. Many of my friends 'lean' Jewish. I don't have many Pagan friends. It is all about the numbers. To be honest, I am not as religious as my parents would like me to be. If I am a Christian, I am a poor one and have work to do. I find that is true of my Jewish friends, and even my Pagan friends. We do the best we can as we work it all out.
If you never have, celebrating Hanakah is fun. It begins on Dec 20th this year, but that changes year-to-year. I wish more Christians did Hanukkah and more Jews did Christmas. Here is a candle lighting guide. http://www.chabad.org/library/howto/wizard_cdo/aid/597113/jewish/The-Menorah.htm Many years I have had fun doing it that way, and some years I just light all the candles when I get the chance to be outside on a night. I have 'gelt' and a 'dreidel' given to me years back by young Jewish girls. I treasure them. (the gelt is aging, you girls send fresh when you read this). I have an excellent CD I picked up in 1993 covering some history and music of it all. It is just excellent!! One night out and you get the feeling of it all. I believe a movie is being made about it now, but we know how stupid Hollywood is. This is a great CD. I have partied in the night with Jews who agreed it is a fun CD. Email me for a copy. Of course as with everything, I do Hanukkah in the garden. I'll post some garden menorah photos from the past and maybe from this year next week. I also have some good Hebrew beer in the fridge.
Winter Solstice is a Pagan holiday. To be honest, all these holidays over lap and borrow things from each other. I look for any excuse to go out side, burn some candles, think on the past and the future. I wish all did the fun Pagan days. Many from all camps delight in it all as there is no harm unless you fear being taken over by some evil spirit or devil. The equinox days are made to order as they might actually be older than all other December party days. A glass of good wine, a big fire, maybe a few fireworks, and you have a recipe for a good night in the garden.
My advice is to give in, give up and enjoy the entire season. December should not be a competition. You get out as much as you put in, and most times -> more. If you can open up your mind and take a leap of faith, you can have some fun with holidays you might be missing out on. No matter your beliefs, learning new things and new ways to share in the fun of December is a good thing. I am not trying to convert anyone here, so don't send those angry emails. Helping your neighbors and friends celebrate is a good thing even if you are not on board with all their beliefs. As you look into things you will find there is a hell of a lot more you have in common than you would have believed.
As an long time party guy, I advise all to open up their heart and let December in!
So glad to see that you too finally believe you have to give in and be active and accept the holiday. If you don't join in on the wonderful spirit of any celebrated season, then you will get nothing out of it. Thank you for decorating and enjoying this holiday season. No more Baa Hum Bug for you. I hope you and your bride have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and an even better New Year.
Posted by: Shirley | December 19, 2011 at 08:47 PM