There is so much that could be said about Christmas, about its meaning – lost for some, found for others – about its power to stir feelings of warmth and loneliness in equal measure, and about it being a time to give thanks, about it being a time for children, and about it being a state as much as a time of year. The following quotes reflect some of my own thoughts.
“I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” Bob Hope
“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” Washington Irving
A happy Christmas to you!
The Westmorland Massive
December 26, 2012 at 2:08 pm
…and a very Happy Christmas to you too. To me, Christmas is a time of renewal. Not, perhaps, in a “traditional” pagan sense (as invented by damp-eyed Victorians), but in much wider terms. Some might renew their commitment to pursuing life changing plans come the New Year. Some might renew their love of getting half cut on eggnog whilst watching Dr Who in an ironically festive jumper. Many others may just feel renewed by having some time away from the day job. It might sound rather prosaic, but the great annual shutdown allows and even obliges most of us to forget about targets and tea breaks and PAYE. And I’ll drink to that!