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Some things never change
Nise Note's
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
December 15, 2004
Every year there seems to be a new Christmas album available to buy or there is a new "must have" piece of decoration to put in the front yard. There's that one big toy that is on every child's wishlist, and a new Christmas movie released in theaters.
However, for me, it's the "classics" that are most important each year. I always prefer hearing Bing Crosby sing "White Christmas" and witnessing a simple strand of Christmas lights across the front of one's roof than anything new or extravagant. I'd rather give a child a simple ragdoll and watch "A Christmas Carol" while snuggled in a blanket on the couch (with hot chocolate, of course).
It occurs to me that Christmas is mostly about those things that are inheriently familiar. Families gather and enjoy each other's company. There are personal traditions to follow -- those things they've done for many years. Perhaps its gathering around the tree to sing Christmas Carols, or maybe its barbecuing in the cold night for a feast the next day. Whatever it is, it's something that holds true year after year.
There are the songs we all know and love to sing -- "Silent Night," "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty The Snowman," "Away in A Manger" and "Here Comes Santa Claus" all come to mind. These are tidings of good cheer that everyone knows by heart. They can be sang with a big band, or just as a group of off-key voices joining to share the spirit of the holiday. They can be sung by those in their 80s, just as well as they are sung by those that are barely 8.
There is the comfort of going to church, for those who attend. There is the Christmas tree, stockings and sugar cookies. There are men in red suits, elves and the North Pole. There are nativity scenes, candy canes, horse-drawn carriages, and parties to attend. All of these things help build the holiday season into the magical time that it is. They are the things we came to know as children, and we pass them down to our own children.
There is comfort in the familiar, and, for me, Christmas is one of the most comforting times of the year. We may not have snow. We may not even get cold. However, the time draws everyone close together for the warmth of one another's company.
There is nothing wrong with new gadgets, gizmos, songs, movies and "things to do." All classics and traditions were once new, too. Perhaps this year I'll find a new "tradition" that I'll follow for years to come. But, for me, I look forward most to those things that have been done year after year. They are something on which I can always depend.
No matter where I go or what I do, I know those things will still hold true. Someone will always know "Silent Night." It may be in their own language, but the spirit of it remains the same. I'll be able to seek out a Christmas Tree, eat sugar cookies, and sip apple cider (with a touch of cinnamon!). I'll be able to attend Midnight Mass, and atleast call my family to send them my love.
The Spirit of Christmas remains the same. Year after year. It stands the test of time. There is great comfort in that, and its something that shouldn't -- couldn't -- ever change.
Nise Note's
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
December 15, 2004
Every year there seems to be a new Christmas album available to buy or there is a new "must have" piece of decoration to put in the front yard. There's that one big toy that is on every child's wishlist, and a new Christmas movie released in theaters.
However, for me, it's the "classics" that are most important each year. I always prefer hearing Bing Crosby sing "White Christmas" and witnessing a simple strand of Christmas lights across the front of one's roof than anything new or extravagant. I'd rather give a child a simple ragdoll and watch "A Christmas Carol" while snuggled in a blanket on the couch (with hot chocolate, of course).
It occurs to me that Christmas is mostly about those things that are inheriently familiar. Families gather and enjoy each other's company. There are personal traditions to follow -- those things they've done for many years. Perhaps its gathering around the tree to sing Christmas Carols, or maybe its barbecuing in the cold night for a feast the next day. Whatever it is, it's something that holds true year after year.
There are the songs we all know and love to sing -- "Silent Night," "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty The Snowman," "Away in A Manger" and "Here Comes Santa Claus" all come to mind. These are tidings of good cheer that everyone knows by heart. They can be sang with a big band, or just as a group of off-key voices joining to share the spirit of the holiday. They can be sung by those in their 80s, just as well as they are sung by those that are barely 8.
There is the comfort of going to church, for those who attend. There is the Christmas tree, stockings and sugar cookies. There are men in red suits, elves and the North Pole. There are nativity scenes, candy canes, horse-drawn carriages, and parties to attend. All of these things help build the holiday season into the magical time that it is. They are the things we came to know as children, and we pass them down to our own children.
There is comfort in the familiar, and, for me, Christmas is one of the most comforting times of the year. We may not have snow. We may not even get cold. However, the time draws everyone close together for the warmth of one another's company.
There is nothing wrong with new gadgets, gizmos, songs, movies and "things to do." All classics and traditions were once new, too. Perhaps this year I'll find a new "tradition" that I'll follow for years to come. But, for me, I look forward most to those things that have been done year after year. They are something on which I can always depend.
No matter where I go or what I do, I know those things will still hold true. Someone will always know "Silent Night." It may be in their own language, but the spirit of it remains the same. I'll be able to seek out a Christmas Tree, eat sugar cookies, and sip apple cider (with a touch of cinnamon!). I'll be able to attend Midnight Mass, and atleast call my family to send them my love.
The Spirit of Christmas remains the same. Year after year. It stands the test of time. There is great comfort in that, and its something that shouldn't -- couldn't -- ever change.
