I just read a recent newspaper column focusing on all the "dreadful" traditions one must endure at Christmas time.
You know, "bah, humbug stuff." And I feel compelled to write about some of the joys of Christmas.
It is true, as noted in that column, that Christmas does not transform us into perfect people, and we experience hectic hours and mishaps trying to make Christmas a holiday to be remembered fondly.
But just watching a child gaze in awe at a Christmas tree, or hearing a child gleefully announce as he runs to presents beneath the tree, "There's the fire engine I wanted," makes Christmas worth any trouble we have endured.
And what Christian's heart does not grow warm at the glorious sound of a choir singing, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."
I have seen people who are considered hard-hearted smile as they watched children performing in a Christmas pageant.
At a Christmas Mass I attended in New York a few years ago, a child portraying the Virgin Mary was carrying the "Baby Jesus" down the center aisle of the church. When the baby began to cry, she said, "Shhh, Johnny, we are in church." A parishioner sitting next to me whispered, "He's her brother, and only a month old."
Though parents may grumble about having to watch "The Little Drummer Boy" again - at their toddlers' insistence - most of them like the Christmas cartoons and movies that appear on TV this time of year. They simply are embarrassed to admit it.
As for being politically correct, I prefer to forget that phrase and to remember Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. So I sing out "Merry Christmas" or even "Blessed Christmas" to my Christian friends.
And if you really want to enjoy Christmas, see it through the eyes of a child - either the child that still dwells within you, or the little ones you are with on Christmas.
Phyllis McGuire of Williamstown is an occasional contributor to iBerkshires. She wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.
iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.
Lucy is an 18-month-old heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter for about a month.
Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.
"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said.
Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.
"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.
Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.
"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."
Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.
"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."
But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.
"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.
If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.
The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.
click for more
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
