christmas – Signora Sheila

Christmas Clubs and Budget-Friendly Gifts [Video]

Red satin ribbon bow rests on a glowing Christmas ornaments, surrounded by warm white string-light balls, creating a cozy festive mood.

In the 1970 musical Scrooge, even the grumpy Christmas-hating Scrooge eventually realized that “December the 25th is the dearest day of all the year!” (Watch the trailer here.) I never needed any convincing about that. The sound of Andy Williams singing that Christmas was “the most wonderful time of the year” had always filled ourContinueContinue reading “Christmas Clubs and Budget-Friendly Gifts [Video]”

The Night After Christmas: A Poem

Festive red-and-white striped socks frame a red polka-dot gift box topped with a bright green bow, creating a cheerful holiday scene.

‘Twas the night after Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was hungry, not even a mouse; The stockings still hung there, all limp and bare, With hopes that no tummy aches would soon appear. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With visions of presents flying through their heads; AndContinueContinue reading “The Night After Christmas: A Poem”

The Coming of Mr. Pemberton: A Christmas Story

Snow-covered stone mansion entrance with ornate yellow doors, statues, urns, and hedges lining the steps in a serene winter scene.

Everyone wondered, but no one knew – knew who Mr. Pemberton was, that is. Oh, they all knew of the Pemberton family. At least the older ones did. They remembered the cranky old man who used to throw things at them when they were kids. Just because they passed his house! Not because they stoleContinueContinue reading “The Coming of Mr. Pemberton: A Christmas Story”

Advent: the Missing Piece of Christmas

Warm candle glows beside silver Christmas ornaments in snowy foreground, with a softly blurred, twinkling tree creating a peaceful holiday mood.

My husband and I have mostly given up Christmas. Because of the increase in materialism, not because we’ve become Scrooges. Finding true meaningful spirituality amidst the commercial trappings became increasingly difficult. So for several years we did little during the holidays. Then I began to look at Advent. And I found what I call theContinueContinue reading “Advent: the Missing Piece of Christmas”

The Amazement of the Incarnation

White dove flying with wings fully spread, soft feathers glowing against a pale blue background; red feet visible, creating a peaceful mood.

Francis Junius, a 15th century theologian, once gave an account of his first reading of John chapter 1. He said “he observed such a divinity in the argument, such an authority and majesty in the style, that his flesh trembled, and he was struck with such amazement that for a whole day he scarcely knewContinueContinue reading “The Amazement of the Incarnation”

Bringing Christ Back into Christmas

Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and a kneeling child before a large woven wooden star, plus a lamb; handmade, serene stage setting.

It starts earlier and earlier every year, the hype and commercialism. Christmas stuff and Halloween gore side by side in the stores. Ads, articles, and movies all working to make us think we’re missing out on the perfect Christmas. The search for the perfect celebration can make Christmas a frenzy of stress and rush. TheContinueContinue reading “Bringing Christ Back into Christmas”