Christmas is a celebration to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a world wide event, celebrated by Christians and non Christians alike. It has become a time when families get together and is marked by the giving of gifts. The practice of gift giving has taken a very commercial turn, especially
in the West, but it is what it is …
Several months back, when I had time to think, I had great plans for Christmas 2019. I was going to go all out with decorating the house, having family and friends round for the festivities. But, as the saying goes … the best laid plans and all that. A 5-week unexpected GE process put a spanner in the works.
The election result was a disappointment especially for me and my LibDem colleagues in South Cambs. We were gutted and tired but I was not going to let that get me down. Once the election was over, and after a few days grace to get to grips with the outcome, I could switch to Christmas mode. There are so many traditions round the world. For those of us with multiple heritage, we do tend to mix them up. But some are key none the less.
Gift Giving
For me as a practising christian, Christmas has always had a special place. The birth of Christ is the greatest gift the Creator gave to mankind. I like to think the custom of buying gifts for family, friends, colleauges etc. stemmed from that. But I think even the Creator would raise an eyebrow at the extent to which gift-giving has become such a big thing. Yes, I did some christmas shopping, mostly online but for immediate family only. This year, we missed out on the traditional family day out to a big mall as one of us was a long way from home. But we all got the gifts, wrapped them up and put them under the tree by christmas eve.
Carol Singing
I do so love to sing christmas carols, so I take every opportunity that I can to do so. On Sunday 15th December, I joined fellow choir members at Kingsgate Cambridge for our two Carol services in the morning. It was good to be reminded that Christmas is not just a nice cuddly nativity scene, but is the story of the most dramatic rescue mission in history! Don’t believe me? Then listen to this.
On Sunday evening, I attended the Carol Service at the Kingston Village. I had a busy week before christmas, but I managed to squeeze in time to be with the Cambourne community gospel choir at the Monkfield Arms on Wednesday evening. I did so enjoy the singing and dancing (yes that was me!). A few days later, I attended the Carol singing event at the Great Barn in Bourn on Saturday evening and the Carols by Candlelight service at Caldecote Church.
Christmas Decorations
This year we bought a real christmas tree for the first time in a long time. I rather like that, and that some of the decorations on the tree were handmade by yours truly! There is something satisfying about seeing my craftwork hanging up looking beautiful.
Christmas Greetings
The tradition of sending Christmas cards seems to be undergoing a comeback. I remember a time when I would buy stacks of cards, bring out my address book and over a few evenings, write up cards to post far and wide. I don’t know when I got too busy that it stopped, but stop it did. This year, I wrote a few, and must admit it felt good to be able to write something personal in each card. I just might get back to doing cards again.
The new tradition seems to be giving to charity in lieu of cards or electronic cards or even general message on social media. I guess each one has its place and it perhaps is good to mix them up. These are my social media Christmas greetings
Greeting on Twitter
Greeting on Facebook
Christmas Day
Christmas day 2019 has been a blessing. It was busy but not manic and the weather was cold but not frosty. We opened our christmas presents late in the morning – I am so glad we no longer have the early morning sessions. One tradition from my childhood that I revived was having a new outfit to wear to church. I attended Christmas day service at Childerley Chapel along with other residents from Caldecote.
My family and I shared a traditional but simple Christmas meal, enjoying each other’s company, whilst very mellow jazzy Christmas music played in the background. Suffice it is to stay we celebrated the day in style, thankful and joyfully. Thankful for the gift of life and of love, joyful because of the light that has shone in the darkness which the darkness cannot overcome.
Merry Christmas everyone, from me and my family to you and yours.
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