12/9/08

Celebrating December

Pomegranates symbolize winter to me, since they are in abundance now and are widely and often inexpensively available. I don't have the patience to peel them, but my husband does, and at least a few times a week in the winter we will sit down in the evening to enjoy one. Some of them taste like apples, others like grapes or berries.

I have been holed up in my messy craft room, trying to assemble bits and bobs to send off in the mail before long. I’ve also been wrapping gifts and strategizing post office trips. We attended two local Christmas concerts this weekend. One was a boy’s choir; I felt warm fuzzies when they moved into the audience to clasp the hands of elderly audience members while they sang one of their pieces. At the end, we all stood up to sing Silent Night, holding the hands of those near us. I can barely sing this song without getting misty-eyed, as it was my grandma’s favorite carol and it immediately brings back so many memories of her. On that note, I’ve also been trying to wrap up an essay about her for a writing workshop. It’s such a big, sprawling topic that I am having a hard time knowing what to include and what to leave out.

What are your favorite carols? What do you remember of your grandparents at this time of year?

8 comments:

ELK said...

grandparents ~her smile ~ his big long arms engulfing me in a hug and his hat...so many favorite carols
do you know this one?

Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

Pres. Kathy said...

I love all Christmas carols. One of my favorite ones is the Drummer Boy and God Rest Ye Gentlemen.

Shawna said...

elk posted one of my favorite songs, but there are so many I love, especially the traditional ones. where i work we have caroler quartets on every corner. today i stopped to listen to an a capella rendition of dance of the sugar plum fairy, and it was all i could do to not get all teary there on the sidewalk. i love carolers :O)

Cindy said...

I've always liked "Oh Come, Immanuel." Right now I'm enjoying Sarah McLachlan's rendition of The First Noel/Mary Mary from her Wintersong album. It has a Middle Eastern sound to it which is appropriate.

My grandma was the heart and soul of our family and I really miss her even though it's been over 10 years since she died. It wasn't that she did anything out of the ordinary for Christmas; she was just sweet and always had a smile.

Mimi said...

I love Carols, it's hard to choose just one.

Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the second verse of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" but I also like "Luly Luly" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and...

elizabeth said...

My Grandpa's smile; a quick grin... My Opa's classyness...

I love O Holy Night - this is the one with "fall on your knees" if I remember correctly... that song can give me the shivers! wow.

Martha said...

I have many fond memories with my Grandma, especially. We lived with her for one Christmas, and I remember we brought our NEW computer (a Tandy 1000) and she became addicted to Pacman. I'd wake up at 6am and she'd be playing it!
My favorite carol is "What Child is This?"

Meadowlark Days said...

Elk, if I have heard this carol, I don't remember it. The lyrics are lovely. Thank you for sharing it.

Marfa, I have to smile to think of your grandma playing pacman!