Archive for the 'Heart of the Holidays' Category
Auld Lang Syne Song Lyrics
Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Poems| No Comments »Auld Lang Syne
a Christmas & New Year poem
by Robert Burns
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,?
And never brought to mind??
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,?
And auld lang syne???
For auld lang syne, my dear,?
For auld lang syne,?
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.??
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp,?
And surely I’ll be mine!?
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.??
For auld lang syne, my dear,?
For auld lang syne,?
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.??
We twa hae run about the braes,?
And pu’d the gowans fine;?
But we’ve wandered mony a weary fit?
Sin’ auld lang syne.??
For auld lang syne, my dear,?
For auld lang syne,?
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.??
We twa hae paidled i’ the burn,?
Frae morning sun till dine;?
But seas between us braid hae roared?
Sin’ auld lang syne.??
For auld lang syne, my dear,?
For auld lang syne,?
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.??
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere,?
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!?
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught??
For auld lang syne.??
For auld lang syne, my dear,?
For auld lang syne,?
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,?
For auld lang syne.
POEM: Merry Christmas (the reason for the season)
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »Merry Christmas! (the reason for the season)
The month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police
had taken away,
The reason for Christmas –
no one could say.
The children were told
by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men
and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings,
the teachers would say
December 25th
is just a "Holiday."
Yet the shoppers were ready
with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down
to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna,
an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing,
something quite odd!
Retailers promoted
Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by
Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging
their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas –
was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples
and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas;
it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive,
Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used
to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden,
Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather,
On Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate,
there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus,
in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word,
as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak
of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas
was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season,
stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’
under your ‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks,
listen to me.
Choose your words carefully,
choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday!
-Author Unknown, but greatly thanked
The Feelings of Christmas
Boxing Day, Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| 1 Comment »May the wonderful feelings of Christmas stay with you
long after the gifts are unwrapped, the tree is taken down,
and the ornaments are safely stored away.
May the once-a-year joy of Christmas return to you
in memories throughout the year,
each time tugging at your heartstrings…
each time bringing a smile.
What Christmas Means
Boxing Day, Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »What Christmas Means
If Christmas means Sharing,
then let us share together our hope for tomorrow…
If Christmas means Giving,
then let us give one another strength, encouragement, and faith…
If Christmas means Love,
then let us love one another with the hearts of children…
in the Spirit of Peace.
Where Would We Be Without Jesus?
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »Where Would We Be Without Jesus?
He was born of a woman so that we could be born of God…
He humbled Himself so that we could be lifted up…
He became a servant so that we could be made heris…
He suffered rejection so that we could become His friends…
He denied Himself so that we could freely receive all things…
He gave Himself so that He could bless us in every way!
May Your Christmas know every blessing of His Love.
"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for all–how will He not also, along with Him, gracously give us all things?" – Romans 8:32 NIV
Winter Solstice Meditation
Heart of the Holidays, Stories, Tips & Trivia, Winter Solstice| 2 Comments »
Winter Solstice is the time when the “Sun stands still,” the shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, days become shorter from June 21 on, until around December 21st, when the sun seems to rise and set in the same place for a while. Then slowly the sun begins its journey towards the south again, and the days grow longer until the peak of sunlight at the Summer Solstice.
The longest night of the year bears within itself the promise of the return of the light, the “rebirth” of the Sun. Thus, the Winter Solstice is a time to celebrate the darkness of the womb from which creation arises. We honor the cycles of life, death and rebirth, the dark night of the soul and the rebirth of new hope and vision. When we move deeper into the darkness instead of avoiding it, we find the gifts the darkness holds. To some, that may mean moving into the shadow aspect of self. What needs to be released, to be brought into the light of our awareness? Even in our darkest moments we can find the seeds of growth and healing within.
The darkness of the long winter nights that culminate in the Winter Solstice is also a time to honor and celebrate the world of the unseen, of dreams and of intuition. When we cannot see with our physical eyes, we learn to trust the inner vision, the power of insight and inner knowingness. The journey into the darkness prepares the way for celebration: in gratitude we rejoice in the return of the light, the promise of the Sun/Son lighting our path, the promise of new beginnings.
A Winter Solstice Meditation:
Begin by taking a deep breath in and then exhaling slowly. Relax as you release the breath. With each breath you take, you move deeper into the silent space within, into your inner world.
Imagine yourself now walking through a desert landscape at night. The moon is not visible to light your path, and at first your steps are unsure and tentative. The more you attune yourself to the silent world around you, the more your senses begin to perceive details along your path. The desert air is clear and cold, fragrant with the aroma of sage. Now you move with confidence, you can “see” with your inner eyes. You are comfortable with the darkness that reveals its gifts: you can hear sounds of life around you – what do you hear? You see things you have not seen before – what do you see? You trust your inner sensed, your intuition guides you on your path. Answers reveal themselves as you surrender to the power of the unseen. You feel safe and protected.
A warm feeling starts to bubble up in the your solar plexus. The warmth spreads to your arms and legs, to your whole body. A pleasant tingling sensation accompanies the warm glow that now seems to emanate from your body, creating a field of pleasant vibrating energy throughout and around you. The source of light and warmth is within, always accessible, your internal sun. You are equally comfortable with the dark as with the light. You are balanced, in harmony with Mother Earth and Father Sky.
As you turn your eyes toward the night sky above you, a blanket of brilliant stars illuminate the sky. Gratitude washes over you as you open your heart to the beauty of this sacred time and space. A granite bolder offers a place to rest and relax. Hours seem like minutes, a sense of timelessness prevails.
Yet, almost imperceptibly at first, you notice a change on the horizon. The light of the stars begins to fade, and toward the east, the first light of dawn colors the sky with shades of purple, pink and orange. Slowly the landscape around you reveals a new face of beauty and harmony. Soon the radiant disk of the Sun appears and bathes the desert in its warm glow. You are reborn to this new day, and you greet it with joy and gratitude. You can trust the sacred circles of nature that always offer new beginnings. Bless the return of the light as you have blessed the womb of darkness that preceded it.
With you next deep breath slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the here and now. Feel yourself grounded, balanced and in harmony. When you are ready, you may open your eyes, fully back in the here and now, bringing with you the gifts of this sacred journey. And so it is. Thank you God.
~Rev. Uki MacIsaac, MA, www.ukimacisaac.com
Copyright 2007, Published in the Heart of the Holidays book
Lighten Up Your Favorite Recipes: 7 Simple Substitutions
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, Recipes| 3 Comments »
There was a time when artificial sweeteners were reserved for coffee, diet soda, and sugarless candy. Now you can use them when you’re baking cookies or cakes. In fact, changing the ingredients in recipes to fit your diet is common, easy, and tasty, says Riska Platt, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. "The biggest mistake I see is when people eliminate anything that’s not good for them from a recipe," says Platt, who works with chefs in New York City to help them develop healthier meal options. Instead, substitute fatty ingredients with healthy, lower-calorie ingredients. Use the above seven ways to lose the fat but not the flavor.
Keep Holiday Stress to a Minimum: Learn to Say No
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia| 2 Comments »Keep Holiday Stress to a Minimum:
Learn to Say No
4 simple tactics for saying no to unnecessary obligations.
By Katherine Kam and reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
For many of us, the holidays were magical in childhood, carefree times to be savored. But then we grew into hordes of harried adults, falling victim to the season’s high expectations. Holiday stress has become as much a tradition as the Christmas ham.
"People are overcommitted," says Marc D. Skelton, PhD, PsyD, a psychologist in Laguna Niguel, Calif. "Christmas and other holidays around this time are always supposed to be fun, and you’re supposed to do a good job in terms of entertaining friends and family." In an attempt to live up to the season’s tall orders, "people will just run from pillar to post," he says. It’s not even "Christmas" anymore, some of his clients lament. It’s "Stressmas."
We also overload ourselves with inherited traditions, even when they no longer fit into our busy lives, says Elaine Rodino, PhD, a psychologist in Santa Monica, Calif. If one’s mother "baked a thousand cookies and gave them to everyone she knew," Rodino says, "people feel obligated to follow the same kinds of things."
But there is a secret to cutting holiday stress: Just say no. You don’t have to bake all those cookies, Rodino says. "You can start your own traditions.’ And you can learn to say no to lots of other demands, too, including party invitations that don’t entice or a whopping gift list that could clean out a mall.
Holiday Stress-Reduction Tip: Decide What Matters Most
"The spirit of the holidays is gratitude and giving," says Patti Breitman, co-author of the book How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty. Only a Scrooge would dispute that generosity is admirable. "It’s very satisfying to offer support to the people we love, help out a neighbor, or do something positive for the community," Breitman writes. But "the conflict arises when we continually agree to things that please everyone but ourselves or when we commit to tasks for which we have no time or desire." By saying "yes" to every holiday invitation and demand that comes your way, you could wind up exhausted and possibly broke. Instead, reflect on what you cherish most about the holidays, experts say, whether it’s sending greeting cards to maintain relationships, tree trimming, baking, religious observances, seeing family and friends, supporting a charitable cause, or just relaxing. When you know your priorities, you can turn down the less important things, Breitman says. "It’s easier to say ‘no’ if you know what you’re saying ‘yes’ to."
How to Say No to Holiday Stress:
1. Say No to Parties That You Don’t Want to Attend
2. Say No to Out-of-Control Gift-Giving
3. Say No to Unwanted Houseguests
4. Say No to Taking on the Work for a Big Holiday Celebration
Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays: 7 Tips
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia| 1 Comment »Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays: 7 Tips
Experts explain some simple methods for driving away the holiday blues.
‘Tis the season to be jolly? Not necessarily.
For many people the holiday season, which kicks off with Thanksgiving and spans through New Year’s, is anything but blissful. In fact, this time of year may trigger a bout of the blues or perhaps ignite a depression that has been smoldering under the surface for months. "Holiday blues are a pretty common problem despite the fact that as a society, we see the holidays as a joyous time," says Rakesh Jain, MD, director of psychiatric drug research at the R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, Texas. "Many people feel depressed, which can be due to the increased stress that comes with the need to shop and the decreased time to exercise which gets put on the back burner during the holidays." While people with clinical depression should seek professional help, those with a touch of the holiday blues can try these strategies recommended by experts to assure a jolly Christmas and a happy new year.
Visiting Ghosts of Christmas Past
"See what it was in the past that led to trouble, whether drinking too much alcohol or not exercising enough or the decreased social contact that comes from going to parties with relative strangers, but forgetting to connect with friends and family," Jain suggests. "Every time depression visits, it leaves a fingerprint. Look for what in the past has been a repeat source of trouble and find ways to avoid it. If you plan, it’s very likely that you won’t be singing the blues this holiday season."
Sending a Holiday Card — to Yourself
"Writing about your holiday blues can actually change them," says Darlene Mininni, PhD, MPH, author of The Emotional Toolkit. "People who write about their deepest feelings when they’re upset are less depressed, less anxious, and more positive about life than people who write about mundane things," she tells WebMD. She suggests writing for 15 minutes a day for three or four days in a row and answering such questions as "Why does this upset me so much?" Or "What would I like to see happen?"
Avoiding Scrooges and Grinches
"Look at how to protect yourself from the energy vampires of the holiday season who deplete your holiday energy reserve," suggests Judith Orloff, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles and the author of Positive Energy. They can include the drama queens, blamers, criticizers, and sob sisters, she explains. Instead, "try and be around positive people. If your Aunt Meg can suddenly start up and start blaming and criticizing you and make you feel like a wreck, don’t sit next to her. Stake out a seat early." "If you know sitting next to Uncle Jake at Christmas dinner will freak you out, assure that whoever does the seating arrangement moves you to another location," says Susan Newman, PhD. Newman is the author of The Book of NO: 250 Ways to Say It — and Mean It and Stop People-Pleasing Forever. "Don’t be wishy-washy about decisions. People can’t read your mind. If something upsets you they won’t know it unless you say so."
Not Going Home for the Holidays
"If you want to go to your partners’ family this year and you have always gone home, simply explain that this is what you want to do and don’t obsess about the consequences," Newman says. "Remember, people are really looking to get something done and they are not thinking about you as much you think they are. When you say no, they are on to the next person or task. When you say no to people, you put yourself first and during the holidays, we are always putting everybody else in front of us."
Dashing Through the Snow
"Get outside and exercise," says psychologist Joan Borysenko, PhD. Borysenko is the author of the soon-to-be-published book Saying Yes to Change. "This can be hard because if you live in certain parts of the country, it’s cold and snowing during the holiday season. But getting outside is great because you get sun, fresh air, and exercise," she says. Exercise has been shown to boost level of endorphins, the body’s natural antidepressants.
Remembering That It Really Is ‘A Wonderful Life’
"Be grateful for what you do have and all the positive things that have happened in your life," Orloff says. "Talk to supportive friends on the phone and find the kind of support to make you feel less lonely rather than dwelling on the loneliness." Jain agrees. "Thinking that the glass is half full, not half empty, is a simple but effective tool," he says. "Instead of thinking about what you can’t buy, think about the extra time and joy that you have to share with your friends and family."
Creating a Photo Opportunity
Many people actually love the holidays and feel let down only when the holiday season is over, Baron says. But making a plan to get together after New Year’s can help keep the holiday spirit alive longer. "Take lots of pictures over the holidays and plan a late-January get-together where everyone can share their pictures," he suggests. "It’s something to look forward to without waiting for the spring thaw."
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Holiday Tips: Nurturing The Spirit Year Round
Boxing Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Stories, Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia, Winter Solstice| No Comments »Holiday Tips: Nurturing The Spirit Year Round
Learning from the Holidays
Holidays and joy are two elements of our lives that are naturally intertwined. Traditional celebrations awaken within us an ardent desire to reconnect with the people we care about and to share our abundance. During the holiday season, we feel more driven to actively practice compassion, tolerance, selflessness, and gratitude. When we feel stressed, we find peace in the company of loved ones. And, filled with warm thoughts, we endeavor to ensure that others can share in our celebrations. Yet while happiness and holidays go hand in hand, the serenity and optimism that blossom within as we act on our festive feelings need not be relegated to a few days or weeks each year. We can carry the holiday spirit within us all year long if we make an effort to embrace a celebratory frame of mind no matter what the date.
Holding the holidays in your heart can be wonderfully transformative. Changing your life can be as simple as thinking about the uplifting activities you engage in and the positive attitudes you adopt during the holiday season and then integrating them into your daily life. If you learn to always be as open to wonder as you are around the holidays, the world will seem like a more magical place, whether it is December, March, or August. While holidays represent a great opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, there is little preventing you from reaching out to the people you care about throughout the year. The patience, compassion, goodwill, and tolerance you feel while celebrating can easily become a part of your everyday experience. Likewise, you will soon discover that the generous charitable gifts you give once a year mean just as much during other months and are often needed even more.
To remind yourself of your decision to carry the holiday spirit in your heart, consider displaying some small part of your holiday décor to signify your commitment. Remember that giving, whether your gifts are tangible or of the soul, always feels good, whatever the occasion. However you prefer to celebrate the holidays, practicing the ideals of the season every day means experiencing the beauty of the holiday season all year long.
POEM: My First Christmas in Heaven
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Poems| No Comments »I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas
In Heaven this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear,
Bus the sounds of music can’t compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart,
But I’m not so far away,
We really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me dear ones.
You know I hold you near,
And be glad I’m spending Christmas
In Heaven this year.
I send you each a special gift,
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love.
Author Unknown
TIP: How to Have a Successful New Year
Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »TIP: How to Have a Successful New Year
25 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL WOMEN
Most successful people have several traits in common that enhance their ability to achieve their greatest potential in life. Dr. Stacia Pierce, pastor, motivator, and founder of MINISTRY-4-WOMEN, is the author of "25 Habits of Successful Women."
NEW YEAR’S HOT TIP from Dr. Pierce:
Visualize your best possible outcome for the new year. When you make a New Year’s resolution, see it! Draw a picture, compile photographs from magazines, newspapers, etc, and put together your own, personal, goal oriented scrapbook that you can reference for inspiration throughout the year.
Heart of the Holidays Book Receives Another Amazon.com 5-Star Review
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Readers Respond, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| No Comments »Heart of the Holidays Book
Receives Another Amazon.com
5-Star Review
There are times during the holidays when things aren’t as cheery and happy as we would like them to be. This book is a perfect companion during these times.
The stories and poems are uplifting, comforting and poignant. You can read a story or two at a time. There’s no pressure to "finish this book." In fact, a book like this is never really finished. It’s something that will be sitting in easy reach for many seasons. I’m sure. We can all use some inspiration and comfort all through the year.
A great read any time of the year.
-Marilyn Dalrymple
The First Nutcracker: Tchaikovsky’s Ballet
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »On Dec. 18, 1892, the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg held the first performance of Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker.
The San Diego Special Edition features Sheryl Roush
Book Signing Events, Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of the Holidays, Press, Stories, Tips & Trivia| 1 Comment ».jpeg)
Blogger Deb Simpson wrote a beautiful post about Sheryl Roush and the Heart of the Holidays book. Her post was picked up by The San Diego Special Edition on December 17 and posted for Human Interest posted on The San Diego Beat front page. Click here to view entire post.
Sheryl Roush Releases Heart of the Holidays Book is presented by Debra Simpson at North San Diego Business@Large. Debra says, “San Diego native Sheryl Roush has lead an interesting life and reflects that in the books she publishes.”
Sheryl Roush’s rise in professional speaking, and now as a published author is inspiring. Her early years were hard, filled with tragedy. Yet, she overcame those obstacles and now, with unbridled enthusiasm for life, she uplifts and motivates the best in others.
Sheryl owned several businesses, since age 16, before becoming a full-time inspirational, motivational keynote speaker. Her current business, Sparkle Presentations, an international seminar and training company, offering inspirational programs that rekindle the spirit, raise the bar, and create excitement.
A few years ago, Sheryl came up with an idea to reach out to the women’s community and ask for contributions which she complied into Heart of a Woman, her first book in the Heart Book Series. It was followed by Heart of a Mother, recounting stories, poems and thoughts about motherhood.
Her current book, Heart of the Holidays, has just been released. To celebrate the release, and give readers a taste of the stories, poems and memories, Sheryl held a book signing event at two Borders this past week.
One of the remarkable things about Sheryl is the ease with which she creates information products. She’s the author of over 40 resources, including audiotapes, CDs, video, CD-Rom, and DVDs. It’s been amazing over the years to watch as she pours her heart into her products. She’s a shining example of how a professional speaker should run a business.
Her other books include Sparkle-Tudes! (scripture plus quotations by and for women), and Heart of a Woman (stories and poems celebrating our inner strength, wisdom and faith). Sheryl is also a contributor to The Princess Principle: Women Helping Women Discovering their Royal Spirit.
She’s coached many in public speaking, training, marketing, business and is the creator of the Olympic Training Center Speakers Bureau, the AIDS/Foundation-San Diego Speakers Bureau, and the Director of Training, US/Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, CA, volunteer position coaching 30 Olympians and volunteers in public speaking. She’s coached international officers and candidates, and World Champions of Public Speaking for Toastmasters International. Her clients include celebrities from Babylon 5, Stargate SG-1 and the Star Trek series.
Twice honored for her service to women in the community, Sheryl was crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” and is this year’s “Queen of Hope.” She’s a remarkable woman, someone I’m proud to all a friend. Now you know her too!
TRIVIA: The Twelve Days of Christmas
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas) start with Christmas Day and finish with the eve of Epiphany on 5th January. The Twelve Days of Christmas dates back to English origins in the sixteenth century although the music is reputed to be French.
The first publication date for The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas) was 1780. Each of the The Twelve Days of Christmas has a religious significance and are symbolized following the lyrics of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Surviving the Holidays
Boxing Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »Surviving the Holidays
by Jacqueline Wales
We are all gearing up for the Holiday Season, and since many of us love it and maybe just as many hate it, I’d like to offer you my five top tips for getting through the chaos without losing your mind.
- You are not the GIFTS you give. YOU ARE THE GIFT. Remember to treat it with respect.
- You don’t have to accept every party invitation that comes your way. People will love you anyway.
- Gift giving is not a competitive sport. If you receive something, you don’t have to give one back, especially if it means going into debt to do so.
- When the hurly-burly sets in……Remember to Breathe
- If you so desire….. be a BAH HUMBUG! The party will continue anyway.
Celebrating What Truly Counts
Boxing Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Stories, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| No Comments »Celebrating What Truly Counts
The Perfect Holiday
As the holidays arrive it is easy to become distracted by our desire for perfection. It might be the need to craft a festive environment, always be in an upbeat mood, or simply the desire to find just the right gifts for everyone in our lives. Even though these things can be positive, if we start putting too much pressure on ourselves during this season, we are much more apt to forget what truly is important—celebrating our lives with the people we care about.
For many of us this time of year can stir up a host of mixed emotions. For example, we might feel a tinge of nostalgia for past holiday celebrations, when times were simpler, or a sense of being let down due to the unmet expectations we have for ourselves and others. No matter what our feelings are, they are likely to be caused by an unrealistic sense of what the holidays should mean for us. Rather than thinking of this season as a time for finding the perfect gift or hosting the best party, we can get so much more out of the holidays if we create a personal inventory of the things that matter most to us. With each item we add to our list, we can then set the intention to use this season as a time to consciously rejoice in and express our appreciation for the blessings we have. The more we are able to let go of our traditional expectations for the holidays, the more open we will become to the bounteous spirit that lies within us.
Our true enjoyment of this season will only come from looking within and reflecting on the deeper spiritual significance the holidays have for us. Infusing our holiday activities with a sense of gratitude will bring a greater level of enjoyment to our life and also help us extend loving and kind energy to all we encounter. It is this spirit that will allow us to truly celebrate by sharing our greatest gifts—infinite love, peace, understanding, and joy—with those around us.
Story Winner: The Wildest Christmas Dinner
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Stories| No Comments »This is an article submitted to a 1999 Louisville Sentinel contest to find out who had the wildest Christmas dinners. This won first prize.
Christmas With Louise
As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay’s kids’ stockings were overflowed, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.
One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don’t sell those things at Wal-Mart. I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown.
If you’ve never been in an X-rated store, don’t go. ; You’ll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, "What does this do? You re kidding me! Who would buy that?" Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section.
I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour.
Finding what I wanted was difficult. Love Dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I’d only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for Lovable Louise. She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a doll took a huge leap of imagination.
On Christmas Eve and with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life.
My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours. Long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louise’s pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours.
The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more.
We all agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.
My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the hell is that?" she asked.
My brother quickly explained, "It’s a doll."
"Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped.
I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut.
"Where are her clothes?" Granny continued.
"Boy, that turkey sure smells nice Gran" Jay said, to steer her into the dining room.
But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn’t she have any teeth?"
Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny, hang on!"
My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who’s the naked gal by the fireplace?"
I told him she was Jay’s friend.
A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa’s last Christmas at home.
The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the panty hose, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa.
The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants.
Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.
It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember.
Later in my brother’s garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louise’s collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh.
Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health.
Secret Santa
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Stories| No Comments »The man had just filled his car with gas; he was cold, wet, and ready to head for home. He opened his car door and bent down to climb inside.
"Sir, sir."
He glanced in the direction of the frail voice to find a well-dressed, elderly lady attempting to get his attention.
He closed the car door and walked towards her. "Can I help you, ma’am?"
The older woman explained that the gas pump was not working properly, and asked if he knew what she was doing wrong.
"These are new pumps and very touchy-even for me. I’ve found the easiest thing to do is forget locking them while I fill; they keep shutting off for some reason."
"Oh my! I can’t keep pressure on that handle until my tank is full. My hands don’t have much strength in them anymore." She cast her blue eyes to the ground in frustration.
"I’d be honored to fill your tank for you!" The man’s Texas accent was gentle and he gave her a little wink. "By the way, I love your British accent."
"Yes, a British accent in Texas.people always notice!" She smiled. "We just came to the States a few years ago. That’s my husband in the car." She paused for a moment, "He has Alzheimer’s now."
"I’m so very sorry for both of you." After a slight lull the gentleman continued. "Why don’t you get back in the car while I do this; the snow is picking up and you’re going to get wet."
She was a lovely woman with snowy-white hair; her attire was prim and proper as one would expect from a Brit. "I’d rather visit if you don’t mind. Our son is out of town for Christmas; he’s with his wife’s family this year and I’m feeling a bit blue."
A knot formed in the Texan’s throat and he hoped to change the subject. "Just what are the two of you doing out in this weather? I hope your drive home is a short one. You know these Texas drivers aren’t the best when it comes to snow and sleet," he teased.
"We’re on our way home from a Christmas party. The medical center has one each year for the Alzheimer patients. They are rather like children’s parties-and they have Santa visit. Oftentimes patients will have moments they recall things from their past. Some sing along to Christmas carols when they haven’t carried on an actual conversation in quite a long while."
"Did anyone recognize Santa today?"
"Oh, yes, my husband recognized Santa and tried to steal his hat! He even said, ‘Ho, ho, ho-Merry Christmas.’ His recollection was rather brief but it was the highlight of my day." She grinned.
The gas pump clicked off, the woman swiped her credit card to make payment, and turned to thank the man who had been willing to help her. The two were saying their farewells when the squeal of brakes, a thud, and breaking glass at the intersection caught their attention.
"Oh, my!" The lady whimpered with a distressed expression. "It’s getting so slick. I’ve got to hurry and get home."
"Ma’am, I’d be honored to follow you in case you have problems."
She hesitated momentarily and then appeared relieved, "Oh, I’d be so grateful. I can’t thank you enough. And by the way, my name is Margaret." She reached out to shake hands with her new friend.
"Margaret, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Ray." He patted her hand gently before they released their grasp. "You just drive slowly; I’ll be right behind you."
When Margaret pulled into her garage Ray stopped curbside. "I just want to be sure you get inside safely," he shouted.
Margaret waved and asked him to wait for a moment-then nodded and spoke to her neighbor hanging Christmas lights. She guided John into the house, quickly reappeared in the garage, and motioned for Ray to pull into the driveway.
She thanked Ray again and soon mentioned this being the first Christmas she and her husband had ever spent alone. Ray, always a soft touch for older folks, was happy to listen. She spoke fondly of traditions her family adhered to when she was a child in England and revealed an interesting glimpse into her past.plus a taste of her cherished memories from across the pond.
"You know mistletoe is very traditional in England. My first "real" kiss was under the mistletoe when I was a teenager. Oh, what memories I have." For a split second, Margaret looked like a young girl again.
Several minutes passed before Margaret began to shiver and they were forced to say farewell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas morn found Margaret peeking out her front door just as the sun crested the horizon. She stepped outside, instantly clasped her hands like a small child, and peered up and down the street. With not a soul in sight she began to examine the items discovered on her porch.each one dredged up memories of years gone by in Merry Old England.
Just above her head hung an arrangement of mistletoe adorned with elegant lace; she touched it gently. Bedecked with Victorian ornaments, a small, lighted Christmas tree sat in the corner-beneath it a homemade mincemeat pie wrapped securely and tied with golden ribbon. The card attached said only, "From: Santa." Hanging from the doorknob a brilliant red Santa Claus hat with tag, "To: John."
Margaret called to John; he slowly made his way and stepped outside. Nothing on the porch sparked his interest until Margaret placed the Santa hat in his hands. After staring at it and stroking the velvety softness, he plopped it onto his head. It sat askew but John’s face beamed as his voice rang out across the neighborhood, "Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Parked several houses away, a Secret Texas Santa sniffed and wiped at a lone tear. a happy tear. "Merry Christmas and God Bless." He smiled and drove towards home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathy was born and raised in the small town of Augusta, Kansas, a few miles outside of Wichita. She married a native Texan, Jerry, in 1977 and was soon transplanted to Dallas. A large city offers many things, but she misses the slower pace of small town America. Kathy has two stepchildren and four grandchildren. Pets have always played a huge part in her life. In fact, they were her inspiration to begin writing. Kathy’s website can be viewed at: YELLOW ROSE (www.txyellowrose.com) or she can be contacted at Lnstrlady@aol.com
©2007 Kathleene S. Baker
