From Where I Sit

By Pat Spilseth, Columnist

Are you one of many wishing for a white Christmas with gently falling flakes, mild temperatures and family and friends to celebrate the holiday? I think even snowbirds in Arizona, Texas, Florida and California get a bit nostalgic for snow when Christmastime arrives. Snow is a Christmas tradition, isn’t it?

When I turned the calendar to December, I knew it was time to find the Christmas ornaments, decorate a tree, punch out each day on the Advent calendar (and eat the chocolate), remember treats for St. Nick and find our Christmas movies. We have the best time at family gatherings when we show family movies from years back. The kids were little, and we were so much younger. Even our grown up kids, Kate and Andy, can’t help but grin when they see themselves dressed in their Christmas sweaters (now considered ugly) belting out Christmas carols at the Christmas production they staged with their cousins.

In the storage closet I search for the Bing Cosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney movie White Christmas. Every Christmas we play that old favorite about the two GI’s turned showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn. I still recall the words to my favorite songs from the movie: they’re all about loyalty, love and friendship.

Amidst all the shopping frenzy, remember that the birth of the Christ Child is the reason we celebrate this season. Though some people greet others with the politically correct “Happy Holidays,” I’ll always say “Merry Christmas.” On Christmas Eve when “Silent Night” is sung and candles glow against the stained glass windows of a darkened church, who isn’t moved by the solemnity of the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby, the shepherds, angels and the Magi? May peace and good will come to all on this special night.

Though it’s only the beginning of December, little kids are writing their letters to Santa telling him how good they’ve been all year and dreaming of presents under the tree. Big kids are dropping hints to Mom and Dad. Adults are searching for the perfect tree, trimming the house, baking, party planning and hanging mistletoe.

Some Americans who celebrate Christmas on December 25 also celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 5 and 6. The internet, a great source for information about traditions and rituals, tells me that one of our favorite traditions of Christmas, leaving out a stocking to be filled, are similar to the traditions of Saint Nicholas Day.   

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Greece. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God.

While feasts of Saint Nicholas are not observed nationally, some folks, especially in cities with strong German influences, celebrate St. Nick’s Day. They place their shoes outside their bedroom doors or hang an empty stocking by the fireplace on December 5. St. Nicholas comes during the night, and on the morning of December 6, people find their shoes or stockings filled with gifts and sugary treats. Widespread adoption of the St. Nick tradition has spread among the German, Polish, Belgian and Dutch communities throughout the United States.

Whether we have snow this Christmas or not, enjoy celebrating with family and friends and remember the reason for the Christmas season, the birth of the Christ Child. Amid all the shopping, feasts, parties and concerts, remember…It’s not all about the presents.

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To contact Pat, email: pat.spilseth@gmail.com.