Where is spirit of Christmas? Have you seen it?

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Dec 3 2003 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

[carlo3b]

Where is spirit of Christmas? Have you seen it?

I am really getting worried that it's lost and we won't be able to find it in time.

I am just heartbroken, somewhere over the last few years we seem to have misplaced the heart and soul of Christmas. The season appears to be right, the weather has a nip to it, and the decorations have been up for a very long time, and I am constantly being reminded that it's just around the corner, but somehow I have this terribly feeling that something is wrong.

It is more than just one thing that isn't quite right, there isn't any laughter. I can't recall what it was that used to make me smile and sing at this time of the year, but it for sure isn't there anymore. Can you help me find the warmth, and love that Christmas has always brought into our lives, have you seen any joy in peoples eyes?  Maybe it's just me, oh my, is it just me?

I seem to recall that this season was a time that brought everyone together, families and friends, and even strangers. Wait, I don't remember thinking at this time of the year that there were any strangers, only wonderful people that we hadn't had the opportunity to meet yet. People smiled at each other, held the door, men and boys offered every woman their seat, and everyone said GOD BLESS YOU, when you sneezed.

Heirloom decorations were unpacked, families went out together to choose a tree, and that inexhaustible calliope of mystical music filled the air. The smell of fresh pine was abundant in each and every house, and colored lights blinked as kids giggled and whispering and scribbled notes to Santa.

Old folks and children where the center of attention, and picking just the right gift was a very special achievement, well thought out and mulled over for days. Some presents took all year to make, and some took all year to save for. Only a very few were expensive, but all had a special meaning. Gift wrapping was an art, and unwrapping was deliberate and magical.

The center of the community was your neighborhood church, and talk of God, and baby Jesus was the main topic of Grace before dinner, and bedtime stories. Mangers, Santa's, holiday decorations, and lights were everywhere. Snow was a conversation piece, and when and if, was debated and recalled.

Food, ah yes, holiday food was researched, planned, plotted and prepared for days leading up to the big event. Everyone was involved, and everyone had a job. The location of the Christmas Eve party was usually determined by the age of the grandparents, and where they lived in proximity to the bulk of the family. However that was no sure thing.

Each family was represented in the choice of menu items. Every wonderful cook in each branch of the family offered to prepare their own special version of the chosen food. This made for a memorable feast indeed. The competition was playful and fun, but most importantly, filled with love... lots and lots of love and lovers.

This is the time of the year that we built mountains of warm love, enough to store up for cold dark days ahead. If we lose Christmas, who will tell the children about the baby Jesus, who will love you and remind you how lucky you are to have freedom, and  family, and bring memories to the old folks, and memories that you can recall when you are old. Don't let it happen.

Won't you help me find Christmas, I know it's somewhere.. Do you know where it can be, perhaps it's just hiding deep in the warmth of your heart.. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your love. Thank you for being you..

THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.. God Bless you all... MERRY CHRISTMAS..

[carlo3b]

By the way folks, I gave some "Clinton Legacy" freeper cookbooks for presents last Christmas. What a great gift! In fact, the books almost brought the whole family gift-giving orgy to a halt as the books were opened and then thumbed through immediately, and passed around the circle. Chuckles and oohs-and-ahs all around.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.. {{{{HUG}}}}.. You have such a way with words.. :o)

[Salvation]

Where is the spirit of Christmas?

Advent Reflections for All -- 2003

The Advent Calendar

The Advent Wreath

The Jesse Tree

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Carlo

Thanks for this thread, again.

I was bemoaning the Christmas preparation, read this through, and then sat and thought for a moment.

If I didn't go through the motions of Christmas, the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the cooking, and the cards... then I couldn't ever find myself caught up in the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas can be a lot of work... but... I know my children believe in the magic of Christmas. And, I think they can remind me how wonderful it is! :)

Thank you!

[christie]

One and all, put a copy of
The Clinton Legacy Cookbook
in your Christmas stocking!
Get yours today!

—christie

~ The Clinton Legacy Cookbook ~

One and all, put a copy of
The Clinton Legacy Cookbook
in your Christmas stocking!
Get yours today!

—christie

~ The Clinton Legacy Cookbook ~

[jellybean]

For unto you is born
this day
in the city of David
a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.

[carlo3b]

How right you are Mom, it's the real meaning of this season, a loving family, doing loving things for each other. Remembering, and teaching, and making new memories. The spirit of Christmas is all around us, ready to bring joy if we let it in. Merry Christmas.. and Holy Night.. :)

[christie]

Credit for the wonderful illustration in post #104 goes to Howie. The bottom graphic was created by Jellybean. Thanks guys. You are the best! And very talented.

[carlo3b]

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here isn't it?.. sigh.. :)

[carlo3b]

Thank you sweetie, what a beautiful card.. Merry Christmas.. HUG.. :)

[carlo3b]

Christmas, and the Cookbook.. Thank you everyone, it's kinda like old times, almost.. Just one empty chair.. :(

[jellybean]

I can't take any credit for creating any graphics...I just borrow 'em from around the web and play with different ones 'til I come up with something I like. :)

Christmas Blessings to you!

[jellybean]

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

[christie]

Ah, but it was when you gave me the code for one of these graphics that gave me the web bug. Now I have four web sites and play amateur web master in my spare time. It's been an adventure.

[jellybean]

You've far surpassed my feeble attempts at HTML. I have to really work at it! Some of these simple looking posts can take a couple of hours sometimes.

[christie]

They don't look simple at all. Not only are they beautiful, but they really give me the warm and cheerful feeling of Christmas, and I for one appreciate every minute you put into them. Happy holidays!

[Marysecretary]

Thanks, Carlob! Mxxx

[stanz]

Carlo,
Kinda brings back old times...
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Someday, all of us cookbook people ought to have a reunion! I still have that picture in my screensaver gallery of the one who is with us in spirit.

[jellybean]

Christmas story 'T'was the night before Christmas and all through the town Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found. The people were all busy with Christmas time chores Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores. No one sang "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed". Instead, they sang of Santa dressed-up in bright red. Mama watched Martha Stewart, Papa drank beer from a tap. As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap When what from the T.V. did they suddenly hear? 'Cept an ad.. which told of a big sale at Sears. So away to the mall they all flew like a flash... Buying things on credit... and others with cash! And, as they made their way home From their trip to the mall, Did they think about Jesus? Oh, no... not at all. Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things No time to remember Christ Jesus, the King. There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake. How could they stop and remember who died for their sake? To pray to the Savior... they had no time to stop. Because they needed more time to "Shop til they dropped!" On Wal-mart! On K-mart! On Target! On Penney's! On Hallmark! On Zales! A quick lunch at Denny's From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall They would dash away, dash away, and visit them all! And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter As grandpa hung icicle lights up on his brand new step ladder. He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl. Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus... Light of the World. Christ's eyes... how they twinkle! Christ's Spirit... how merry! Christ's love... how enormous! All our burdens... He'll carry! So instead of being busy, overworked, and uptight Let's put Christ back in Christmas and enjoy some good nights! Merry Christmas, my friends!

</cente

[jellybean]

</center>Ooops! Looks like part of my formatting got cut off..

[j_tull]

3 1/2-pound fillet of beef tied with thin sheets of larding fat at room temperature

Carlo, I love you man, but where is a mortal to find one of these? BTW, must they be tied while at room temp, or can they be tied cold, then lowered to room temp? < /kidding > Pls keep it coming and Merry Christmas!