The Season is Upon Us

     The time has flown since we landed and even though we haven't been here 3 months yet it feels like home.  My husband and I have ventured out to multiple shops to get the pieces for Christmas boxes to send to friends and family in the United States.  We will spend both Solstice and Christmas on our own, but right after Boxing Day (a British holiday that occurs the day after Christmas) our children will arrive for their Newcastle Adventure.
     I finally realised yesterday how close the holidays are when I found myself listening to Christmas Carols on YouTube and rediscovering groups and classic videos that had escaped my memory (lost to ECT).  I have since made a Solstice/X-mas playlist with favourites like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, and multiple versions of Handel's Messiah.  I have found myself transitioning from heavy metal to singing along with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and what promises to be the full 2+ hour rendition of Messiah.

    We have yet to get a tree, unless you want to count the Brussel sprout stalk we purchased (who knew Brussel sprouts grew that way) for dinner the other night.  Our tradition has been to have a wreath instead of a tree (cats and Christmas trees don't always go well together), and we have brought along some of the most important ornaments from home but left plenty for the kids to use this year.  We will use technology to continue our traditions even when we are 4500 miles apart.  We will use video conferencing to be with the kids on the morning after Solstice, when we traditionally exchanged presents.  We will more than make up for the separation at Solstice by celebrating every minute while they are here to visit.

     Singing was always an important part of the Christmas traditions I grew up with and through until college, when I dropped out of any formal group singing (and grumpily refused to sing with the family).  Since then my singing has mostly occurred in our vehicles (children are very forgiving), singing along with favourite artists when I am alone or when my husband is around because he doesn't judge.  As I've had more alone time lately I realise how much I enjoy singing and that I miss singing with others. Handel's Messiah became a favourite in late high school when I joined the adult choir at the church I attended and participated in their yearly performance.  It was a huge commitment of time and effort but I think that is why I can sit here and sing along hardly missing a beat or lyric.  For most people the Hallelujah Chorus is what is the best known section but there is so much more to the Messiah.  I will continue singing along (practicing) until it's time to put it away for a year.
     There are many old churches and cathedrals in our new city and some of the larger ones are putting on traditional carol performances here in the next few weeks.  We will venture out to as many as possible to experience the history and traditions that go so far back here.  To sit in a location that pre-dates the establishment of the United States by many, many years and hear the very old traditional carols, many of them in Latin, will be amazing.  The beauty of the architecture and the way the music resonates through it will give a new feel to both the familiar and new music.
    This time of year is sacred to most of the religious traditions around the world.  However you celebrate I wish you Glad Tidings, and hope that the spirit of the season lifts your heart and mind to the possibility of joy even in the midst of the darkest part of the year.  If possible bring your family close to you, or celebrate from afar.  Find opportunities to share your traditions (and your bounty) with those around you who may be lonely this time of year, and above all Take Care.  Cheers.