It's the season to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and I have been driving around blaring out "Joy to the World" at full volume for the world to hear. It's Christmas, why not?
Sometimes it's a little hard to adjust back to having Christmas in the middle of Summer. Of course this has been normative in my life. But it doesn't take long to accept the idea of Christmas with snow. I think it's a big part of our psyche, from generations past that Christmas has snow. So considering that the last three Christmases have been in the northern hemisphere, this one will take some adjusting.
We did buy a Christmas tree yesterday though, and it has a beautiful rich pine smell. Smells are very good for stimulating memories, and so this tree is helping us believe that Christmas is here. It was also a really good activity to build our new home.
Of course my mind goes back to our two Christmases in Russia and the traditions we began to develop there. As we were unable to go to a church on Christmas eve, we decided to invite people to our apartment and lead them through the Anglican carols and lessons service. Both times we had our apartment packed out and had lots of Christmas snacks. I don't have great photos of those specific events but there are still some good highlights from our Christmases in Russia. Enjoy the slideshow. (Just hit play).
3 comments:
So you're at Kangaroo Ground at last! which must feel at least as if you have a chance to settle again. Christmas in summer is very weird, even I feel that now - although either winter or summer, it can be embraced as a seasonal festival and used to celebrate exactly what that season has to offer - be it dark and cold (hence mulled wine and candles) or light and warm (hence long evenings with friends and the cricket on telly).
Sounds like a few changes (for a change) coming Abigail's way. If you can do visits with her to the kindergarten and childcare then that can help a lot. And try to integrate what she does there with what you do at home - talk about it, do similar activities at home, sing the same songs etc. Not easy but not impossible - go easy on her when she's at home too and give her time just to be...spend lots of time outside looking at all the new flora and fauna, teach her to recognise different bird calls etc - all part of feeling at home and comfprtable in her new (beautiful beautiful) new environmnet.
Oh, and maybe one weekend you;ll have a chance to check out the st Andrew's market - if it's still running. Bit of a hippie mecca, but a good vibe and a great place.
Paul,
I've been following you and tried comment last night but realized I hit the link button and sent the message to myself! I've got a blog now and am working out the kinks. Would like to invite you to see it but it is not open like yours so I need an e mail for the invite. God Bless,Larry DeVilbiss- AnimistBridgesforChrist.blogspot.com
PS Think I forgot to give you my e mail address. carrots@mtaonline.net -- Larry
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