|
Post by Smaug on Nov 22, 2007 16:53:52 GMT -5
I've been thinking about when it is Christmas for people this week. Of course I know when and why it is really Christmas but I wanted to ask: When is it Christmas for you? It is Christmas for me when I see the Christmas Coca Cola advert on TV with the huge truck and the 'Holidays are coming' song. And I saw that advert on Monday, so it is finally Christmas
|
|
|
Post by OSUSprinks on Nov 22, 2007 23:28:07 GMT -5
Cooking Thanksgiving Day dinner always starts the holidays for me. The smells of baking turkey, fresh pumpkin pie, warm sweet potato casserole, and so many other yummy treats is almost better than eating it, almost. It is also a time of family gathering as we all put the last touches on whatever we brought and made. Then comes the craziness of Black Friday and the traditional football games this long weekend. Once all of that is done, it is officially Christmas for me. We put up the wreaths and decorations. At church, we'll change over to advent fabrics and decorations. The coolest thing though, which has really shaped my thoughts of Christmas over the years, is a ceramic Santa Claus that we place on the Organ Stand every year. The Santa is kneeling before a ceramic manger which holds a baby Jesus. It is really cool. This was an awesome idea!
|
|
|
Post by pinkie on Nov 23, 2007 9:12:35 GMT -5
Christmas for me starts some time after December 5th (which is a celebration in Holland - a sort of Santa Claus comes to give the children presents and sweets. His name is Sint Nicolaas - yes, saint nick! We sing songs, exchange presents and have special treats, like speculaas -spicy biscuits- borstplaat -sugary stuff- and banketstaaf - puff pastry filled with an almond and sugar mixture-). I love the shop windows and everything they have on display, i love singing along with all the songs and carols (even though i now realise there is a difference...). I love being able to decorate the tree to my liking and to indulge in treats, such as kransjes (biscuits again!) and cocoa with whipped cream. Since we don't exchange gifts - we already did that some twenty days before - and i am not religious, so there is no church involved, it is all about family. I love being together with the seven of us, eating and drining, telling stories, discussing matters loudly, after a couple of glasses of red wine - no we don't give the baby wine! My father and i have been planning what to cook for the big family dinner. Unlike traditions in the UK and US, we don't have turkey, goose or ham. We do get a lot, though It is also a time of reflection for me. I tend to search my soul and if there is anything i would want to change for the year that is coming. But mainly: I lurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrve Christmas!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Smaug on Dec 5, 2007 15:04:31 GMT -5
I've crossed the line.
I may not have really started Christmas shopping, but I have put the Christmas music on my iPod.
|
|
|
Post by OSUSprinks on Dec 6, 2007 1:42:05 GMT -5
I can't seem to get away from Christmas music.
All the stores, even the grocery, are playing it.
The only "hip" (as Adam's mother puts it) Christian Radio station in town switched to all Christmas at the beginning of Advent. Along with the one good light rock station. Every third or so song on the County station, which used to be my one refuge for regular music, is Christmas because of reguests!
It is on here at Adam's and at my grandparent's retirement community. My grandfather was apparently feeling really good when Adam and I were visiting yesterday to put up their wreaths. He was standing in the kitchen singing "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" (teasing me as it used to be my favorite Christmas song) and soft shoeing around the room.
And, of course, we are singing Advent hymns and anthems for choir as well.
That said, I do love Christmas music and my saturation point is higher than most, but it's only the 5th, well really the 6th, and I'm already a bit tired of it! lol
|
|