As Liza, the kids, and I were decorating the Christmas tree last night, my mind went back to our first Christmas together 6 years ago. One of the first questions Liza asked was "you're not going to put up a tree, are you?" Typical JW conditioning. I reminded her that she knew I was a practicing Catholic when we married, and that Christmas trees are part of my tradition that I had NOOOO intention of giving up.
Guess who took over decorating for the Holidays that year, and every year since. That's right, my once JW wife. The kids thought it was great fun too. In typical Puerto Rican fashion she over decorates with gaudy abandon, and I love to watch her go.
The kids, Catholic and Jw alike jump in and help with the same enthusiasm. Sean, the soon to be 19 year old (2 Dec is his B'day) led in singing along with the Christmas Carols coming over the Cable Radio station.
We will light our first Advent candle on Sunday. We also light Chanukah candles begining the evening of 9 Dec. Sean pointed out how much he enjoys having traditions, ANY Traditions, something that was denied him in his JW childhood home. He's looking forward to celebrating his B'day on Sunday, as are we all.
I'm actually looking forward to the holiday cooking. I've almost perfected my "Christmas Pudding" I can't decide between Turkey and Ham for the main course, so we may have both. I'd considered Duck or Goose but quickly dismissed the idea as these meats are SOOOOO rich, I really don't like the flavor.
It's a pretty cheery holiday type mood around the house these days. We're having great fun.
So, what are your holiday traditions. Do you exchange gifts the evening of Christmas eve or in the morning? When do you have your meal?
It's trully a joy and a blessing to have these traditions. I thank God that I can celebrate them freely and richly in this country. So many others can't because of financial or political realties that just plain SUCK!
For all you Loyal dubs out there, if wedding rings have lost their pagan meaning, than so too truly has the Tanin Baum of Christmas. The Yule Log, Holly and mistletoe. We celebrate the fact that Jesus came, and will come again. We celebrate the gift of family and friends, we celebrate LIFE! I'm so sorry that so many JW's and others are missing out.
"May God Bless Us, EVERYONE!"
As a side note, one of my best Christmas memories comes from Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. I was in the middle of the desert no tree, no gift exchange, left simply with the spiritual meditation of Jesus' Advent. It also led me to appreciate how much God wants us to celebrate his action in our lives. God wants us to celebrate, why do you think he gave so many festivals to the Jews?
"One man considers one day more sacred than another, another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God."Rom 14:5-6In light of this scripture, how can the Dubs propose to judge me for observing Christmas as a special and holy day, I do so to the Lord.
YERUSALYIM
"Vanity! It's my favorite sin!"
[Al Pacino as Satan, in "DEVIL'S ADVOCATE"]