Real Life, Uncategorized

Four Calling Birds

Rosemary

I’ll bet you thought Christmas was over. Psych! Today is the fourth of the twelve days of the liturgical season of Christmas, which means that as far as Christian Christmas is concerned, I am not actually late with my Christmas cards. Or presents. Whatever.

four_calling_birds_by_thepsychogoat-d4k0du7
Four Calling Birds by ThePsychoGoat on DeviantArt

This is actually my favorite time of the season, because the blitzkrieg of Christmas Shopping commercials has ceased, I still have my little Christmas rosemary tree decorated, everyone is in a pretty good mood because the shopping pressure is over and they’re spending their holiday gift money and the mood is generally one of hope for good things in the new year. Plus, you don’t have to worry about offending anyone with “Happy New Year” because it applies to everyone. (Except for the Chinese, I suppose.)

And I don’t have to worry about Santa Claus breaking into my house  for another year. *shudder*

I guess this is why I’m able to create such a separation in my mind between American Secular “Christmas” and what I commemorate as a Christian. They don’t even really fall on the same days if you’re being pedantic technical about it.

But what I really want to say is that whatever you celebrate (even if it’s just the fact you won’t have to hear “Jingle Bells” for another nine months), I wish you joy of it. In the longest nights of midwinter, one thing we all share is faith that the dark will get lighter, and a new year brings the hope of peace on Earth to people of good will.

And lots and lots of poultry.

Calling Birds Stamp 1977
Stamp Issued in 1977

74 thoughts on “Four Calling Birds”

    1. You’re the bomb, lady. Here’s to a fantastic 2016. (I just typed 2013. Which is weird, because that’s a year I NEVER want to experience again. )

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  21. Success!!!!

    I am not kidding…coffee or wine one night over a conversation on BuJo? I am going to message you my number.

    Marianne

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  24. Hi Lady, have a great 2016 and, yes, I would be happy to have share. We’ll probably start the new year with 4-6 weeks of residential rehab but that just means things are improving.

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    1. Well, that’s not the most pleasant start to the year, but yeah… Hopefully everything will improve. (Here’s hoping for the four weeks end of things.)

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  28. Isn’t it wonderful that Christmas is over, but the holiday season is not? I love how the medieval Church planned it that way…:D I wish you and your family all the best! I have been trying to have my own private version of the Icelandic Jolabokaflod.

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    1. CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD?!?! From an NPR article that I found when I had to look up Jolabokaflod: “Usually we give the presents on the night of the 24th and people spend the night reading.” Best. Christmas. Ever.

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  31. Happy New Year! Last year I went Spain and they celebrate Christmas (the Santa gift giving part) on Jan 6. So I was lucky enough to see a Christmas parade, etc. I did not understand if the references but it was cool. For me, a totally stress free Christmas ritual.

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    1. Saint Nicholas Day! That’s what you saw. We call him Sinterklaus in Holland…well, here, because my family still celebrates on the 6th because it involves chocolate. Sinterklaus comes to Holland from Spain in a boat and gives chocolate and oranges to children (and puts bad ones in a sack and takes them back with him to Spain). Sinterklaus don’t play.

      And happy new year to you! 🙂

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    1. I hope your 2016 rocks (and yes, that it will include us crossing paths)! (That’s on my resolution list—I’ve got a Sirens savings account!)

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  36. I always enjoy the time after Christmas. I especially like to remember St.Stephen on the 26th and sing “Good King Wenceslas” and Epiphany cake is one of my all-time favorite cakes! Merry Chrstmas! Happy New Year!

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