Here at the Classical Girl household, it’s been a spiritual month. We celebrated my husband’s Jewish heritage with a menorah and latkes during Hanukkah. I took my annual Winter Solstice retreat at the Ben Lomond Quaker Center last week (redwoods, silence, space, contemplation = heaven), and now it’s time to celebrate my Catholic heritage with Christmas and its sister holiday, Christmas Eve day, which, as I get older, becomes more and more precious, filled with enjoyment, good cheer, a brimming sense of happiness in having given, and the sweet anticipation of the buzz generated in a crowded Catholic church that evening. And, post-Mass, Christmas Eve at home with the family, fire in the fireplace, candles twinkling, a glass of wine, Christmas tree lights and ornaments glowing – aah. Followed by Christmas Day. Where magic meets spirituality in a delicious, undefinable way that has little to do with the presents you receive.
The season’s holidays, of course, expand well beyond what I myself celebrate. In November, there was Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, and Mawlid al-Nabi, the Islamic celebration of the birth of the prophet, Muhammed. There’s Kwanzaa, starting the day after Christmas. And January 7th, the 12th day of Christmas, marks the day Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas. I’m a rebel Catholic girl. I say there’s room for all flavors of religion and/or spirituality. They all share this: beyond each religious holiday’s story, there is a giving of yourself involved, which activates a spirit of goodwill, which allows you to observe the divine coursing through everything, everyone. (Granted, during extended-family holiday gatherings, one might observe discord coursing through everyone, but let’s overlook that for now, shall we?) One other thing I’m going to hazard a guess that all the holidays have in common: eating lots of good food. Probably too much. Ah well, t’is the season.
Back to those “3 gifts” I dangled in the subject line. Classical Girl Press, my sister business, would like to extend three gifts in this season of giving. For the next five days, enjoy the Ballet Theatre Chronicles–Off Balance and Outside the Limelight for FREE. A Dancer’s Guide to Africa has been reduced to 99 cents through the 27th, and will be FREE on December 28th.
Have a wonderful holiday week, however you choose to celebrate (or not). I am well aware of how hard holidays can be for some people, for varying reasons, something to just “get through.” Been there. I say, no better way to escape it than with a good book. Getting a Kindle for Christmas? Perfect timing! Don’t have a Kindle or any other reader, but want to enjoy these freebies on an old-fashioned desktop? (That’s me, actually.) Click HERE (if you have a Mac) and HERE (for a PC) to obtain and download a free app that turns your computer or laptop into a Kindle device.
And let me be the first to offer you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and best wishes for 2019.
Great post, Terez – I’ve long said that my religion is Catholicism and my spirituality draws on all faith traditions. There’s so much wisdom to glean from all the world’s religion, and the thread of love is woven through each one.
Did you know that at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab, India) volunteers feed 50,000 people every day of the year for free? “When I was hungry you gave me to eat…” I’ll send you some photos/videos.
Thanks too for the three gifts… I have the first two and just bought The Dancer’s Guide to Africa.
Christmas blessings to you. For my part, I’m resting my plantar fasciitis in bed till this afternoon, at which point I’ll join the rest of our in town family.
Namaste 🙏🏼💕
Annette, that is so cool, the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, feeding all those people. Way cool. Such a lovely Christmas Day thought to ponder. And I LOVE the pics you sent. Wonder if there’s a way to post them in replies?
What a wonderful reminder to us all that there is a connection in all of us….a spiritual connection that we can all share. Be blessed my friend, today and every day. Continue the march of good writing for others to enjoy.
Merry Christmas!
Donna, I so love your reply. Wishing you blessings, too, on this, Christmas Day. Hate that we live so far from each other, and can’t share these holidays together. But hey, a blog has its own beauty. I’ve been able to connect with you and Annette both, and a week from now, a month from now, I can reread and be warmed once again by words from loved ones.
Merry Christmas to you and the boys!
Beautiful sentiment so well expressed. So glad I decided to read your post. Not very faithful with social media, but this reminds me of its value….is a blog considered social media??😊
I’m so glad you decided to read my post, too, Kathleen! And yes, a blog is considered social media. (Albeit it eloquent social media, if it’s The Classical Girl, though, right?)
Thank you for your kind words, and Merry Christmas!