Christmas - of course!

As we get closer to Christmas most of the Hodgepodge questions have to do with it, and that makes sense. But our leader Joyce threw in one question - number 6 - that doesn't apply.  Or does it?     Got you wondering?   (It's a teaser.)   Keep reading to find out.

1.  What is one new holiday tradition you'd like to establish, or one you've established recently, say in the last year or two? 

Well, if you have read my past blog posts you know I have trouble with a lot of the commercialism of Christmas, so perhaps I would like to make Christmas more about the birth of Jesus.  I get a bit upset when I think about how the "holiday" Christmas has become a money-making event in the US, with little regard for the Christ in Christmas.

I try each year to focus on the birth of the baby Jesus.   I know it's also a wonderful time for family and friends to get together and share food, laughs, gifts, etc.  

I guess my new tradition is to find a way each Christmas to give - and not just family gifts.  But, something out of the ordinary.  It's also the end of the calendar year so it's just a good time to give to people who have needs, and to give them a bit of help before the new year starts.  

Did I answer the question?   Not really.  

2.  It's the second week of December.  Have you sipped a cup of eggnog yet this month?  Wrapped a gift?  Opened a gift?  Kissed someone under the mistletoe?  Lit a candle?  Eaten a Christmas cookie? Seen Santa in person?  Watched a Christmas movie or special?  Read scripture relating to the birth of Jesus? 

Wow! Lots of questions wrapped in one!   So, okay… here goes…

* I do not enjoy the taste of eggnog.  So, no, I have not sipped any yet and will not during the Christmas season.  * Yes, I have wrapped some gifts already.  I like to do it in bits and pieces so I am not overwhelmed right before Christmas. Plus, I like to have a few wrapped gifts under the tree.  * I have not opened a gift yet.  * We don't have any mistletoe hanging here, but perhaps I should get some!    Ooh la la!!   * I lit an evergreen-scented candle last evening here at home.  We have an artificial tree so I enjoy "faking" the aroma with a candle! *I have not eaten a Christmas cookie yet.  I'm trying to stay away from sweets for as long as possible!   * I have not seen Santa.   * I watched the CMT Country Music Christmas Special last week.  I enjoyed it very much!  I also was flipping channels and came across "Christmas Vacation"  so I HAD to watch it!  I love that movie!  I still hope to see "White Christmas" with Bing, Rosemary, Danny…and ?  What's the other "sister's" name?  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that movie!     *  And, yes, I have read/listened to scripture regarding the foretelling of the birth of Jesus - at the Tuesday Bible Study, and at Sunday morning worship.    Might I suggest everyone do that?

3.  Do you think it's better to be an adult or a child at Christmastime?  Explain. 

Well, this is not an "either or" answer.  Being a child at Christmastime is awesome, but much more selfish.  It's about receiving gifts. But, also singing about the baby "Away in the Manger".   And, dressing up to be an angel in a pageant, and staying up late to see the Christmas tree lights.    But, Christmas as an adult has much more meaning.  Giving gifts and giving love plays a key role.  And, just understanding the importance of that baby "away in the manger."    So, Christmastime came be wonderful whether a child or adult.   But let's not forget, not to be Debbie Downer, it can also be a very tough time too…  probably more for adults.

4.  It's often said "Good things come to those that wait"…agree or disagree?  Why? 

Hmmmm.    Well, I think the expression is useful in today's society when we want everything NOW, and we expect good to come back to us when we give it.   But, sometimes it is not true.  And, you can't just sit around, do nothing, and wait.  You have to be pro-active.  And, you have to - pardon me for using another expression - but you have to learn to make turn lemons into lemonade.    So - it's not just about waiting.

5.  What's the last sweet thing you baked?  Did you keep it, take it to a party/event, or give it away? 

I have said this before - cooking and baking are not my favorite things to do.  I used to bake a bit when my daughters were still home, but even then it was simple recipes.  I rarely made anything from scratch.   Thinking back, it's been a long time since I have made a sweet thing in my oven!   Hubby and  I don't need them - and I don't trust my skills (or lack of them) to bake and share.  

6.  I heard an actor talk about how he makes a conscious choice to talk to people in elevators.  He chooses to connect, make eye contact, and converse.  Do you talk to people/strangers when you're in an elevator or any other place where you may have to wait together?  Why or why not? 

First, let me say - I live in the south!  People/strangers talk to each other much more here than in other parts of the country!  I like that.      In general, as an adult, I think I have always tried to make eye contact when I walk into an elevator and say 'hello' and if I get a 'hello' back then perhaps a conversation will start.  It depends.  But, I like to at least be friendly and acknowledge them.  It's so awkward to be in an elevator and NOT look at them!   The same goes with waiting in a line.  Why not be friendly?   We are all there together!

Here's a question:  Do you like sitting on an airplane with a person/stranger who talks next to you?  Or, would you rather be left alone?   It's another place we are close, but often a wall goes up.    Just wondering…

7.  Are you on the naughty or nice list this year?   What put you there? 

Ha.  I'm on the nice list - and that's where I want to be.    

8.  My random thought.  

I know some people are upset by the demonstrations and all the media hype right now since our country had two horrible deaths happen where police officers were involved.   (And believe me, more have happened.)   But, I still think we need to show respect to our officers and realize that they have extremely difficult jobs to do.  They never know who will approach them, or what will happen to them each day on the job.   I am a white woman so I have never feared a police officer - in fact I feel safer when I see one nearby.     But, I realize that many others in this country are judged improperly and are not given a fair shake.

Peaceful demonstrations are a wonderful way to bring attention to an injustice.  I have no problem with them.  We live in a country that allows them - freely, without fear of prosecution.   I admire those who participate - yes, in PEACEFUL ones.  Once violence happens it's a different thing completely.

Sometimes I think we ALL need to be more peacefully expressive, and we need to be more accepting of those who take part.  

Christmastime is about the baby born so long ago who taught unconditionally about love and peace - and acceptance.   He connected with the down trod, those in society who were shunned, and poor.  Is that not the example we should follow?