Christmas; In a new year

I could start by talking about the snow, leaving the impression that it has been snowing steadily since my last entry, but that would be the wrong impression. In fact, it rained heavily just before Christmas, and was relatively warm (again) around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The day after, it snowed steadily for more than twenty-four hours, and has snowed quite a bit since, especially yesterday and today so far. Predictions are for thawing weather over the coming weekend, which would be somewhat sad, as it is and has been, this past week or so, absolutely beautiful outside.

As I continue to celebrate Christmas, I am now listening to the Christmas Oratorio again. We keep Christmas to the Sunday After Epiphany and sometimes a bit beyond, as we love the season, the time, the music. Indeed, we're about ready to put leave the season when the dark days become noticeably longer, which happens right about& nbsp;the second week or so in January.&n bsp; There is an earlier tradition which celebrlates Christmas to Candlemas, February 2nd, which this year would bring one to within four days of Ash Wednesday and Lent. Something to think about....

As ever, I try to write some Christmas music this time of year. I don’t always succeed. I’ve been working on an arrangement of Personent Hodie but not satisfying myself with it at all. I did do an organ arrangement of my own choral arrangement of I Wonder as I Wander this year, and sent it to friends in hopes of having it played at Christmas Eve. It wasn’t, as far as I know. At least, I know that one of the people did not play it even though she hoped she would.

But as I said, I listened to, and continue to listen to a lot of Christmas music. It evokes memories, times, places, and people. Truly, this is a wonderful time of year. I would advise anyone to learn about Advent and observe it, and then, from Christmas Eve, celebrate Christmas, at least through the Twelve Days (the twelfth being January 5) and Epiphany (the 6th); go to the next Sunday (the Western Christmas Baptism of Our Lord), too, and a bit beyond. Do Advent Calendars, and an Advent wreath with candles, and put your tree up no earlier than the Third Sunday of Advent, and then only if Christmas is on a Wednesday or before; if after, do the Fourth Sunday. It is truly wonderful to bring light into this dark time of year.