Comments on: The Holiday Spirit

By: meems

meems — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:07:46 +0000

Well, I have to go with Carols and Cookies. At the school where I work, I don’t know who’s doing it, but someone has been making gingerbread cookies in the home ec room, and I work all day in this cloud of cinnamon and clove scents.

And the music. Yesterday I was listening to the Roches “For Unto Us A Child Is Born.” I listened to it 3 times, and I cried 3 times. It really made me feel in the holiday spirit!

By: zehill

zehill — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:23:41 +0000

I agree that listening to and singing good Christmas music puts me in the Christmas spirit more than anything else.

My wife and I also love going to Snicker’s Gap to get our tree. Have you tried the pies at Hill High Orchard nearby in Round Hill?

Merry Christmas!

By: Silus Grok

Silus Grok — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:31:34 +0000

Music, definitely… and there are also tons of concerts to go to.

My favorite new Christmas album this year (I’ve got an ENORMOUS collection — almost 900 songs!) is Snow Angel by Over the Rhine. Last year’s was a toss-up between Songs for Christmas by Sufjan Stevens and Holiday Songs & Lullabies by Shawn Colvin.

Just so’s you know.

By: Lamonte

Lamonte — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:30:11 +0000

Thanks everyone for your comments. And thanks for reminding me that music is such an important part of Christmas. For me music is an important part of life every day and especially at Christmas.

Don - thanks for reminding us of the challenges that business owner’s face during the holidays. Several years ago I was a business owner (until I lost all my money!) and my two partners and I had to lay off our last two employees in the first week of December - not a fun task. But I guess we didn’t feel that bad because we had been paying them while we had no salary for several months before and after Christmas. I think your efforts to remind yourself of why we celebrate Christmas is the right thing to do.

I guess the concensus is that having the Christmas spirit in our hearts takes some effort - greater for some than others - and until we become perfect we should expect to make that effort. It’s always worth it.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:59:31 +0000

My Aunt (tftcarrie), does everything in November. She was telling me this year that as soon as Halloween is over, Christmas prep begins. She gets all the cards ready, does all the shopping, etc. Her goal is to always be finished by December 1st. That way, she can enjoy the holidays. She can attend concerts and parties without stress. I love her idea so much, that next year I’m starting it. (It was too late for this year).

I love Christmas! I adore it. I set up decorations right after Thanksgiving, and my music plays all month long (like Susan and Bret, the music is what does it for me the most). But the stress of the cards/letters and gifts can turn me into a grinch. This is why my aunt’s idea is so golden! (and probably not unique).

By: Don

Don — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:48:51 +0000

I have a difficult time getting in the “mood” for Christmas. It’s a slow time of year for our busines yet we have to give the expected company Christmas party, and gifts / bonuses to the employees, plus extra days off that they all want at this time of year. Now that the kids are all gone out of the house it’s even harder.

I’m not a shopper, hate shopping for gifts. When asked what I want for Christmas, there really isn’t anything I really want…at least that can be given by those asking.

I did watch “The Nativity” on HBO (newer movie I think came out last Christmas) although not totally accurate it was a good perspective and at least helped me think about why we celebrate.

As it gets closer I’ll get better!!

By: Bret

Bret — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:28:15 +0000

I agree with Susan. Music more than anything, singing and listening as well as watching my three favorite Christmas movies: A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and the George C Scott version of A Christmas Carol. I’m also big on the original Frosty the Snowman cartoon.

Oh and cooking/eating LOTS of fattening Christmas treats!:)

By: Susan M

Susan M — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:53:41 +0000

Honestly, I think music does it for me more than anything.

Christmas can be a really difficult time for a lot of people. My brother died just before Christmas. It’s been long enough now where I don’t really think of Christmas as the time my brother died, but I also have a sister that died, and it’s hard to gather the family and have it be so small.