Christmas Eve…

Christmas Eve…here we are deep in December. The night is comforting with a crackling fire, whispers of secret surprises, and the gentle melodies of familiar Christmas carols. There is laughter while watching favorite movies, ooey-gooey s’mores made in the kitchen fireplace, and yes, even a patient and understanding dog wearing holiday pajamas!

Animals have been tucked in for the night with extra treats…goats get apple slices, chickens warm mash, and barn cats find a little tuna alongside their dinner. There’s an old legend that says all of the animals can talk on Christmas Eve. And you know what, no matter how many years pass, tonight I’m a child again…filled with wonder as I sit, and wait, and listen. 

If you took at look at our Christmas tree, I’m guessing that it’s like everyone else’s  –  covered with a patchwork of ornaments!  No, it doesn’t look as if it belongs in a store window, and that’s just fine…it’s perfectly imperfect. 

Each year unboxing the ornaments is like releasing a flood of memories…every single one brings sweet reminders of a special person or place.  

A handmade ornament gifted from a friend,

trees created by little hands,

and vintage baubles that have been handed-down through the years.

This one holds a repeated wish; yes, please Bless This Farm.

All month we’ve enjoyed favorite recipes that have stood the test of time,

all the while using the pastry mat that belonged to my grandmother. 

And like so many of you, a visit to my (messy!) kitchen and you’d see that I’ve been baking

and wrapping up sweet treats.

I’ve also been watching the days pass, trying to hold onto each one and somehow slow them down.

Because it seems now, more-so than any other month, our hearts and homes are warmed by the season, and it’s a feeling I want for as long as possible.

 

My goal was to keep this month simple, to find an unhurried, steady pace, and maintain perspective. The world often spins too fast, making it easy to forget what this time is all about. 

For me, the crunch of snow underfoot, the sound of church bells coming from the town square, and even the flutter of colorful wings at the bird feeder, all seem to slow things down just a bit, and remind me that it’s a time for all that is good. 

As I settled in to write this post, I knew from the beginning that I couldn’t share a Christmas Eve message without telling you about one of my very favorite quotes, and this one dates from nearly 80 years ago.

As a fan of old radio shows, this was read at the end of a Christmas episode of The Great Gildersleeve. It’s been several years since then, but when I first heard it, I had to stop and listen to it a second time, and then once again slowly. Finally, a fourth time so I could write it down. 

To me, the words seemed so perfect, that I didn’t want to ever forget them. And honestly, nothing I can write tonight that you will read, at least in my mind, would be nearly as touching and from the heart.

“Children all over the world are eagerly awaiting midnight
and the arrival of Santa Claus.

In a few hours from now, many of you will attend midnight services
in the church of your faith.

It is the Silent Night, the Holy Night, 
it is the solemn, thought provoking night 
that precedes the dawn of another joyful Christmas.

Of the many gifts men cherish most
 this Christmas Eve,
surely the one all spirits yearn for, 
is the illusive gift of peace.

Peace on Earth, good will toward men, so it was eloquently phrased in ages past.

May each and every one of you find that abiding peace
in your own hearts this Christmas Eve.

And if enough of us, in enough places, 
earnestly and bravely seek out such peace,
the world cannot help but heed this growing desire for lasting good.

So amid all your holiday rejoicing,
pause for just a moment, won’t you?
To add your silent prayer
to the fulfillment of that great promise:

Peace on Earth, good will toward men.”

-Harold Peary
The Great Gildersleeve radio show, 1940-1954

And as the hands on the clock move toward midnight, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! While some of you are just across town, others are across many, many miles…it’s been a blessing to feel as if we’re friends & neighbors.

May you be blessed with all the best on this Christmas Eve…peace, plenty, love, and laughter.

Heartfelt wishes, Mary