My tree is up (see picture on the right). My lights are strung on mantel, stair railings, and every inch in the house that I can reach. My nativity scenes collected from travels around the world are on display. My nutcrackers are on every stair step. Packages are wrapped. Guess I'm ready for Christmas!
I'm in my office and still working with clients as we tie up this year and prepare for 2025. I always enjoy the time to plan for a successful new year.
I've been in many lands during December. Christmas is celebrated in different forms and fashions. Some countries go all out with Christmas markets spread around the square. I've attended those in Rome and Krakow. I haven't made the German markets yet. They are on my list.
I was in Krakow for Santa Claus Day, December 6. Hundreds of people in Santa outfits parade through the square and old town giving candy to children. What fun!
Even my hotel in Pakistan sported a Christmas tree...sort of. I wanted to help them with the decorations as they left a bit to be desired.
Of course Israel's Christian community holds vigil in Bethlehem. That's where it all began many centuries ago.
St Peter's Square in Rome has a live nativity. The square is full of visitors ready for the Christmas Eve service.
Italy has adopted Christmas Trees but their true love is nativity scenes. In the southern region, nativity scenes are part of a larger display that mimics Napolitano towns. The creche is displayed in a corner of an elaborate display of normal life. Some of the scenes take up entire corners of stores. Instead of the tradition of adding an ornament each year to our tree, they add figures to their scene. During my trips, I've accumulated quite the display, although in miniature.
However the cultural dressing, Christmas is the season of goodwill, peace, spending time with family and friends. I like that the whole world (or at least most of it) stops for 24 hours and celebrates.
The Brits, Canadians and Australians have the right idea of celebrating Boxing Day Dec 26. They get that off too!
I always want to freeze frame the moments from Dec 24 to Midnight Dec 25. I wish those hours could last a week.
I know many people consider that Christmas is for children. Well, I can tell you that it is also for a woman of "Una Certa Eta". And, my wish for all of you is that you will approach the season with the eyes of a 3-year-old. Enjoy the magic of the Christmas message. Celebrate the child whose birthday we remember.
Merry Christmas!
The Bryson Broadcasting Newsletter will return January 15.
|