Celebrating All 12 Days

I'm not sure about the blogging etiquitte with regard to original vs digested ideas. This is a topic I am aching to pass along, but was not my original idea or upbringing. Though I was intrigued by the book Unplug the Christmas Machine when my babies were babies, most of what I would like to share was given to me by my son & daughter's kindergarten teacher, Laura C. She opened my eyes to a new way of celebrating Christmas.

Maybe I should step out a minute and give a little cheer for Waldorf education. Waldorf teachers hold many beautiful intentions in their work. They strive for the health and spiritual stregnth of the children. It is a nice compliment to our Jewish/Catholic home.

Anticipation. Advent. Patience. We stregnthen the children by giving them something to look forward too. They see adults working toward a goal. In contrast to the "instant Christmas" that floods the stores, TV and catalogs of our modern world, Laura slowly introduces the elements of the season week by week. We've have taken this into our home as well, bringing out a few decorations the first week, the music the next, etc. until finally setting up the tree 1-2 days before Christmas. We all remember that Advent is preparation and Christmas is worth waiting for.

Laura gives much attention to the quality of gifts as well. Old treasures can be made new again with TLC from the elves. One special gift can be presented with full love rather than many gifts attempting to draw away the value from one another. This is not one of the teachings we embraced. As tempting as it is, Christmas is about families and traditions too. My family is not a "one gift" family. Presents are piled high and endless...which does bring me to the next point...celebrating all 12 days.

Of course, the church calander has always counted the 12 days of Christmas. For all of the music, food, gifts, work and anticipation- how can we possibly settle for only one day of celebration? This is meant to be a feast! A time to contemplate the incarnation, the Holy Family and the Epiphany (God for everyone!). Heaven has said they are closer to the Earth at this time of year than any other. Graces and blessings are poured out during this time of year. Christ is close at hand to hear & answer our prayers. Why wouldn't we celebrate and take advantage of heavenly help? I hear of families going through Christmas day and ending their celebration- everything is clean and tidy by New Year's. It's a sad disregard for the gift the church has given us- time to reflect and celebrate. Our family continues to visit friends and family, open gifts, bake and write cards through the season. It's also a time of simple indulgences- sleeping under the Christmas tree, puzzles and board games.

This year I notice more and more friends celebrating all 12 days (hey, Karen, you were the first!). Shannon Arnold (The Inspired Writer http://www.theinspiredwriter.org/ ) gave me a gift last year by sharing a link to Lynn Jericho- The Inner Christmas http://www.innerchristmas.com/ . She brings structure and food for thought to these nights of contemplation and wonder.

It's the gift I can't wait to pass along. Merry Christmas!