The Christmas season is upon us. How do I know this? Why, the neighbors have strung their Christmas lights and turned them on, Christmas music is playing in restaurants, and Christmas specials are already airing on PBS. This afternoon, I was treated to a beautiful rendition of “White Christmas” on TV, by an Italian tenor; and earlier, a virtual trip to France, Germany and Italy, the footage shot during past holidays there.
Antique Bluework Embroidery – collection of Patricia Cummings – This piece is featured in the Song file, “Los Peces en el Rio”
As a Christian, I enjoy the Christmas story of Bethlehem, Christmas carols, and long-standing family Christmas traditions. In my family that blends distinct cultures, I enjoy my husband’s French-Canadian tradition of making “Tourtiere” for our Christmas Eve meal. My mother always made a White Cake with Buttercream Frosting, sprinkled with Coconut, and “Stollen,” an Austrian recipe passed down her matrilineal line.
At home, we always had a sprig of Mistletoe in the living room, hanging from a beam, as well as a Christmas Tree. At one time, Mother had a little device with a battery. She could turn it on and it sounded like a bird. To accompany the sound, she placed a “bird” ornament on a branch. She was the queen of stocking fillers, and got quite innovative in seeking out fun things for “Santa” to leave. I have good childhood memories of Christmas.
I love to make Christmas presents, a trend that has continued since childhood. I’ve made all sorts of things: crocheted afghans, baby sweaters, clothes, homemade cards, Christmas cookies, and later, quilts and ornaments. I love to make gifts! At this time of the year, when I can avoid shopping in stores, I do! In my opinion, gifts should come from the heart. It doesn’t matter what they cost. It just matters that they are NOT an obligation.
In giving of ourselves, we celebrate the true nature and meaning of Christmas. Christians believe that Jesus came into the world to die, as a sacrifice to the Father, in atonement for the sins of Mankind. Jesus, “King of the Jews,” shine on us and bless our ways in this Season of Light!
Today, I don’t understand why Christmas has become so commercial. Last year, a man was trampled to death as mad crowds ran over his body to get to their desired consummable goods. This year, brawls broke out in some Walmart stores across the country as people grabbed for the same, limited merchandise. Some of those stores were shut down completely for a few hours. The shoppers epitomize everything that Jesus was not. He did not compete for material goods, only the souls of men.
This year, as usual, we will make our way to the La Salette shrine in Enfield, NH, a site for pilgrims who have traveled a long distance, in some cases, to see the hillside display of lights, to visit the small chapel, and to enjoy a cup of cider, a hot dog, and a homemade cookie, just enough to tide a pilgrim over. There is a small gift shop that sells a wide variety of items, most of them religious in nature: musical tapes, books, jewelry, etc.
There are a number of Christmas songs on our website’s Song Playlist that I have recorded in English, Spanish, and German. In addition, there are other files related to Christmas. Just key in “Christmas” in the word find site navigation feature, and you will find many choices.
I wish you the happiest Christmas season ever; and a time of joy to our Jewish friends as they celebrate Chanukah. No matter what religious orientation we have, we are all brothers and sisters under one sky.
Peace under the stars,
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: Christmas Traditions
