Thanksgiving turkey, St. Nick’s, a festive tree with gifts beneath and a nearly opened Advent Calendar are all memories that brought me to each Christmas Eve of my youth. For a brief time that night there was a reflection on the substance of the Christmas spirit. Family, charity, hope, love and a calming it all down was sensed. It was a good feeling as was the determination to follow through with that spirit throughout the next year. It may not be conscious thereafter but it is good to have that purpose in the back of one’s mind as the hustle of life returns.
Christmas at its root is a Christian holiday. A Holy Day in most religions. It was not a bad way to be raised. Whether one belongs to an organized church or not, it is good to try to follow tenets set forth by various religions. Whether by church or philosophy or moral upbringing always strive to do good. How the spiritual side of your character develops will be your choice. Use your mind when you search for it.
When I was in grade school the boys in my class who could carry a tune (others could fake the same by mouthing the words) put on red and white cassocks, lit candles and walked into church singing “Silent Night”. Whenever I hear that song I am reminded of the letter “t”. Our nun was emphatic that we annunciate that letter on the words silent and night. Like many of my cohorts I was a bit over the top on those sounds.
It was certainly a ritual to sing like angels once a year but there was also a certain mystery to doing so at midnight. It did tend to emphasize the purpose of Christmas. Only candles lit the church. It was always fairly cold inside but nothing compared to the frosty night air outdoors. The street lights seemed to have a halo effect and I swear flurries were in the air every Christmas Eve. Snow crunched under foot. Staying up until the wee hours of the morning. Participating in a ceremony with adults. All in all it added some warmth and depth to one’s spirit. Merry Christmas!