"Christmas Eve, and all is well!" I can almost hear him saying those lines now. My dad had a part in the Christmas play and those were his words as he played the part of a watchman, or security guard. I don't remember the name of the play nor very much about the play, but those words have seated themselves in my memory. Oh, it was years ago when I was just a child, maybe a teenager. I have recalled those words most every Christmas since then. Now, today, December 24, 2008, I can say "Christmas eve and all is well!"
This Christmas is very different from most every Christmas that I can remember. It's alway been a busy, busy time with hustling and bustling everywhere. Christmas messages, Christmas plays and Christmas contatas for the church; presents, and parties for family and friends; and traveling, visiting and on and on and on. It seems that we have always been so busy at Christmas time that we almost hated to see it come, but this Christmas is different. There is still Christmas messages and contatas but it has not been a frustration for me because I no longer hold the position of pastor, thus much less responsibility and anxiety over those things. There is still presents and parties, but in my present role, I am more like a participant rather than a frustrated leader. But this year, the usual traveling and visiting of relatives in Louisiana will be a little later than usual, making it possible for Janis and I to be home alone at Christmas time. Yes, we've been home at Christmas time before but it was always with one or more of our Children. This Christmas, I have a son in Colorado Springs, two daughters in Louisiana and one son visiting in Ohio. What a difference. You know, it's almost eerie. It's so quite. Janis is sleeping on the couch right now and not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.
Tomorrow, I think we are going to find a resturant, if there are any open, and have a romantic meal together and tonight I think we are going to rent a movie and watch it together. That's something we seldom get to do. I told Janis that we are about to experience something that we have never experienced before and possibly will never experience again - a Christmas at home alone. It almost sounds like a tear jerking experience doesn't it? Well, put your hankies away because I think this is the way I want it. Maybe never again, but this year let it be. I feel like I may stumble upon some kind of hidden wisdom or something. It may turn out be a very dull and boring experience, but remember, I've alway got "Facebook". :) Nevertheless, I can say with my dad from years gone by, "Christmas eve and all is well!"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
2 comments:
Yes, I remember that play too! And can still hear Dad's voice booming out loud and strong as he walked across the stage, swinging a lantern and saying, "Christmas Eve -- and All Is Well!" What great memories you have stirred up here.
Although we have a 3 year old - our Christmas was quiet in comparison with other years. I must admit, it was nice to relax and not feel all the pressure. Maybe part of it was because I didn't put all the pressure on myself. I didn't even complete the decorating of my tree - but that's okay, we had a few ornaments Chloe had made and a few candy canes and no one said a word! Amazing! I had to work the week of Christmas - all but Christmas day - so, I knew I just couldn't do more than I did. My children and grandchildren had to go to lots of other places, so the house was quiet - especially on Christmas Eve. Chloe went to bed early in anticipation of the following morning. That was a really quiet time! I actually think this Christmas was one of the best I've had in years! Well, I gotta go - my "favorite Unlce Lowell" is preaching tonight & I don't want to miss it! :-)
Post a Comment