Warmth @ MindSay

"There in the Temple, carved in wood,

The image of great Odin stood,
And other gods, with Thor supreme among them."

As early as two thousand years before Christ Yule-tide was celebrated by the Aryans. They were sun-worshipers and believed the sun was born each morning, rode across the upper world, and sank into his grave at night.

Day after day, as the sun's power diminished, these primitive people feared that he would eventually be overcome by darkness and forced to remain in the under world.

When, therefore, after many months, he apparently wheeled about and grew stronger and stronger, they felt that he had been born again. So it came about that at Hweolor-tid, " the turning-time," 1 there was great rejoicing at the annual re-birth of the sun.

In the myths and legends of these, our Indo-European ancestors, we find the origin of many of the Yule-tide customs now in vogue.

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For quite some time, I have understood that the foundation of many of our Christmas and holiday traditions in the US orginated in pagan cultures.  I have no problem with this ... We all use what we are familiar with to understand the world around us and that includes new knowledge.  I believe this is what happened with many of these tranditions.  They have simply carried forward into what is now celebrated as any of the major holidays we celebrate in this time.  Most Christians understand that Jesus was not actually born on December 25, but I don't find the date we celebrate of vital importance, but rather that we understand what it is we choose to celebrate.

Personally, I find a vast majority of what many talk about and do during this time fruitless and vain ... sorry, I do!  :D  I understand wanting to give something nice to those we love, but ... I have never understood the rampant self-indulgence of the season.  Nothing could be further from the message of Christ or the biblical message than ... "I want ..."  "Charge it!"  yada yada yada ... It has frustrated me for years.  Oh well ... :)

This year, for the first time in many years, I am actually enjoying the season.  The pressure is off.  I can relax and enjoy my kids ... Soldiergirl will trek home next Friday for 2 weeks and we will have a wonderful time just being a FAMILY!  Few, if any, actual gifts will be exchanged, but much love will be shared and expressed in as many ways as I (and we) can think of ... from baking yummy cookies together to playfully (because we aren't good enough to do it seriously) singing the "Messiah" ... to driving around to look at Christmas light displays ... In my mind, EVERYTHING (except the malls) declare the joy of God's love expressed in the manger of Bethlehem, so ... it's OK!  :D

....that this year, the Christmas/Holiday Season seems to be welcomed early?  There are several radio stations that are already playing Christmas music, retailers (such as mine) are setting up their holiday aisles (early as usual), but are met with more compliments than, "this is too early" remarks, and, even with this recession in our midst, spirits seem to be uplifted.

Is it that we are in the face of a positive change?  That, in these darker times, people realize there isn't too much we can do, but to focus on positive ideas, thoughts and giving to others in more need than ourselves?  That some songs can't help but uplift our spirits?  That cheery, holiday lights seem to brighten things?

Can we carry this over all year long?

Thursday.....Thanksgiving......our Christmas lights go up.  The turkey cooks all day.  Our Christmas Yule Log DVD will be playing all day (along with Rosie O'Donnell's Christmas CD!), L's 4-tiered trains will be constructed, the house will be warm and tasty odors will be wafting throughout, and the Seahawks will be on National TV against the Cowboys, we get to dress up.....

Only things missing will be when my kids and grandkids don't show up and enter into the festivities to help celebrate.  Calls will be made, though!  But this is where memories will be evoked from past celebrations and love.

ENJOY!!!!!  Especially this year.

Sitting in the dark

Pitch black dark.

It is cold, lonely,

Sad

There is nothing but myself,

Sitting on the cold concrete.

Suddenly the night is destroyed

By a burning bright light

Followed by the warmth of fire.

The phoenix flies through,

Half human, half bird -

Made up of fire.

I am no longer alone,

This warmth keeps from me the cold,

Ensuring that I feel it’s comfort.

I stand up and reach out to it,

Such a heavenly body,

Although something within tells me

This beautiful body should not be touched

With hands as tainted as mine,

She allowed me to touch her.

She spread her wings

And flapped three times.

Into the sky she soared, leaving a small feeling

Of great warmth within me.

She scorched the sky, leaving the light

To guide me to her home.

“The Phoenix”

... at the moment... because we froze on the spot at the Christmas Market where we were selling H's cutting... It did not go too bad considering this was a little market lost in the countryside. I think we'll be doing this again... and we'll try to make it in a bigger town... At least we know that some people are ready to buy that kind of works... which is great...

So now, I’m off to the warmth and steam of a comforting and well-deserved shower... :D ... before I set myself to work... Wonder how I’ll do that though...