Allow me a mild rant against modern culture. (You know by now that I need to get these out of my system at least biannually...) Why does the radio stop playing Christmas music on December 26th? Why are there dozens of trees at the curb and no more twinkling lights greeting me as I drive by at night?
I can't really understand why anyone would want to eschew the chance for more parties, celebrating, cookies, caroling and so forth, and in years past, Christmas Eve was just the beginning of the fun.
Twelve days of Christmas, they had then. Almost two weeks of festivities, culminating in the glorious feast of Epiphany, or Kings' Day, as some in England called it. Two weeks of celebrating that we could be enjoying, too--hint, hint.
And, no, this is not just an excuse for posting Christmas pictures a week late. (Though I have used that excuse for the after-Christmas cookies...) Anyway, here's a little glimpse into how we are
still celebrating the season of Christmas:
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| This ornament has a special place in our hearts and on our tree. Isn't he cute? |
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| Santons on the mantle... |
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| On the first and second and third....days of Christmas, my true love gave to me: this beautiful portrait of Lucy he is in the process of painting. Best present ever. |
Allow me a mild rant against modern culture. (You know by now that I need to get these out of my system at least biannually...) Why does the radio stop playing Christmas music on December 26th? Why are there dozens of trees at the curb and no more twinkling lights greeting me as I drive by at night?
I know what you mean. We keep our stuff up and out until New Years at the latest. I guess once Christmas is over, it's no longer profitable, commercially. Seeing as Valentine's Day stuff is already on sale, it makes sense. Sad, huh?
ReplyDeleteWhat's not sad is your awesomeness. Here's to a great New Year! :)
I know just what you mean. The gifts are unwrapped, throw it all out....just when things wind down and I can actually begin to enjoy the lights and the decor. We're keeping ours up an extra week. I'll be sad to see it all go.
ReplyDeleteI hardly know anyone who follows the Twelve Days, and it annoys me too. I think David is probably right that Americans are entirely too attuned to the way advertisers like to see seasons. They now see money to be made in pushing New year's resolutions--diet, smoking cessation and organizing products.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, we always keep up our decorations till Epiphany, and celebrate the feasts during the Twelve days--St. Stephen's, Holy Name, Innocents, etc. We can have a "Twelve Days" pact, eh?
Yes, I always feel so sad on December 26th or 27th to see trees all naked and abandoned on the curbs. We're still in the throes of merriment, and all the world is moving on, nothing to see here, folks.
ReplyDeleteBut I love the portrait of Lucy! Beautiful!
Never thought of it like that, but it's a great point. We should return to the twelve days of Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you ranted, Faith. My husband and I were kvetching about this very thing. You'll be happy to know we are still singing, still enjoying the lights, the creche, and merriment. My hope is that the spirit of Christmas remain alive always (ie make room for Him in the inn).
ReplyDeleteThe painting of Lucy is beautiful. Your true love is very talented.
I saw trees awaiting their fates this morning. I saw the big man tossed the big trees in the big truck back. The once adorned trees no longer blink or shimmer from windows in the night. So sad...
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I love that portrait! Beautiful! I have to say... by the time the 26th rolls around, I am ready for it all to be over with, but only because I feel like we start celebrating December 1st so I'm tired after the long haul. However - I do love the spirit of the season, the trees, the lights, everything! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny b/c my girls are still on vacation, so we went to the children's museum today. They still have all the Christmas stuff out, and at the planetarium, we watched a "Season of Light" movie where it discussed the 12 Days of Christmas. Good stuff! Here's to continuing through Friday! :o) <3
ReplyDeleteI say party as long as you want! I have a hard time letting go, too. Usually I end up taking the tree down before I'm ready to let go of Christmas simply because we need the space.
ReplyDeleteAnd that painting is incredible!
I used to want everything ship-shape again by January 2. But now I like letting it linger a little longer. You're right -- we start the Christmas season even pre-Thanksgiving now, and then come December 26, it's DONE. That's exactly the way commercialism wants us to see it. Your photos, and that painting, are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIn many parts of Europe, Christmastide is still celebrated until the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd. :) So, that's what we do, too! It's officially the Season of the Epiphany, which is truly Christmas for ALL the nations. So we'll take our decorations down next weekend. :) I figure with all the work of putting them up... we may as well enjoy the precious season as long as possible. :)
ReplyDelete