Don't forget NORAD Tracks Santa! (I see they have some new videos this year.) As I write this, Santa is at the International Space Station. I'd love to see what a reindeer wears for a space suit.
This is for our children, who never considered themselves Disney fans as the world knows Disney, but who grew up in Mickey's backyard. Happy memories! (H/T Richard S. and the GGGAMB)
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Nine Christmases ago, while the world was singing blithely of joyous birth, we were mourning the death of our first grandchild, whose last breath came but two days after his first. The haunting Coventry Carol spoke to me then as none other. This reminder that the First Christmas was not a facile Peace on Earth and Joy to the World, and that the first Christian martyrs were Jewish children, is for all who mourn this Christmas, especially those who have suffered the loss of a child.
And finally, here are three of my favorite Mannheim Steamroller Christmas carols for those with lighter hearts.
Kling, Glöckchen was not a carol I grew up with, but I fell in love with it at first hearing.
Traditions of Christmas wasn't traditional, either; it was written by Chip Davis for Mannheim Steamroller's first album.
On Christmas Eve I always stayed up after everyone else was in bed: tucking gifts in stockings, adding a few more under the tree, preparing the house for the morning. After a busy day with guests, and a busier set of Christmas Eve services, I needed the quiet and the solitude. Very often the last thing I would do before climbing into bed was turn out all the lights but those on the Christmas tree, and sit in the living room with God—and Mannheim Steamroller's Stille Nacht. Then, at peace, I was ready to welcome Christmas.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
