Writer's Block: B.Y.O.B. Holidays

[timelord1]

We celebrate Christmas...well, Christmas gets celebrated around me mostly. MOSTLY. (read on)

I'll admit it. I'm a grinch. I start snarking about Christmas in August, as soon as the decorations get put out for sale. But, with reason. I'm one of those people for whom the holidays are hard and nasty reminders of people that are gone, and for whatever reason I just can't get over that. Mostly Christmas makes me sad and sort of owly.

EXCEPT...for Midnight Mass at the Episcopal Church in Belvidere, which is a nearby town. My family has gone to that church probably since it was built. My grammy played the piano there and my grandfather sang in the choir. My parents were married there (and buried through there), and Mr. Timelord and I were married there, too. When I stand among the people at Midnight Mass and sing (I'm a former cantor there, and when I actually go to services, they usually have me sing something solo), I feel so close to the people I've lost that, for a couple of minutes, I sort of enjoy the holiday. :) Plus, the music is outstanding. We sing all sorts of carols, and when we sing "The First Noel," I kick into Opera Voice Mode and sing this descant that rings out over the rest of the congregation and always earns me a few grinning, backward glances. Best. Thing. Ever.

After Midnight Mass, Mr. Timelord and I go home and exchange our presents to each other. He proposed in 2004 during one of these exchanges, so that is always a good memory and a nice time. Then we go to one aunt's house for Christmas, and pop into another aunt's house to say Happy Hanukkah, because we have a little of everything in our family. 

I guess mostly I'm cynical about the commercial aspect. Maybe I'm wrong when I say I'm a grinch. Maybe I'm more of a Charlie Brown at Christmas. :) [Error: unknown template qotd]

Comments

[who-in-whoville.livejournal.com]

Being a Charlie Brown about Christmas is not a bad thing. It is a good thing, because he DOES understand that Christmas is MORE... That it isn't all of the junk and stuff... And it turns alright in the end, right?

I wish I could hear you sing Jast. I love the sacred music of Christmas the most.

[kelkat9.livejournal.com]

Squishy hugs and passes you the blue plushy banana. Christmas can be a tough time of year, especially after the loss of a parent. My father is an atheist which means that I miss out on quite alot since I am determined to spend Christmas with him whether or not he participates. When my Mom was alive, things were different and we at least had a Christmas Tree, decorations and some festiveness. Now, it is not allowed. I miss the traditions I shared with my Mom and brothers. It really has effected my holiday spirit a bit. I know one day my Dad will be gone and I can choose to spend Christmas however I want. Until then, I will make my own Christmas which means all the commercial fluff isn't necessary to make it a special or a spirtually signigicant day.

I think you have a wonderful tradition with Mr. Timelord. I would love to be able to go to a Christmas Eve service.

You are not a grinch!

Oh and I LOVE your new layout!

[wander-realtai.livejournal.com]

Yes, the holidays do sometimes have that bittersweet tang to them for me as well, when some people that I really wish were here, aren't. It's good that you've found a way to feel close to them. I'd love to hear you sing! I'd imagine the Christmas program is beautiful at the church. And I definitely agree about the commercial aspect rubbing you wrong-- I hate that it's become so much about pouring money into big businesses, rather than giving of yourself to loved ones.

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

THIS. All the froufrou and brohaha leaves me cold. I like it quiet - or filled with voices singing softly to candlelight. THAT is Christmas. It brings that warm, nostalgic feeling - like the world is holding its breath for one shining moment.

So, yeah...not a Grinch. More of a Charlie Brown indeed!

*HUGS you*