Ship of Fools: Deck the Halls or Whatever.

Thread: Deck the Halls or Whatever. Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :

Has anyone started their holiday trimming and If so what is up so far? At the Image home the Advent candles are on the table, a wreath is on the front door, and the Christmas nativity figures are on the mantle sans the Christ Child. He arrives on Christmas Eve along with the tree. Also waiting in the wings are a St. Nicholas, and a painting of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. They will appear on the hall table on their proper feast days.

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

Nope. Tomorrow I'll set up the Advent wreath (which reminds me - I'm behind on the Advent calendar, which started yesterday), and in a couple of weeks I'll ask the offspring units to put up the tree. At some point I'll put the wreath on the door.

I'm terminally old-fashioned in these things. I like to keep the decorations up until the Epiphany, and I've always believed that if you find yourself having to dust them, they've been up too long.

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm terminally old-fashioned in these things. I like to keep the decorations up until the Epiphany, and I've always believed that if you find yourself having to dust them, they've been up too long.

Not old-fashioned -- the word is "correct."
[Biased]

I've said the same thing about having to dust the decorations when they've been up to long. They go up on December 24 and come down on January 6,

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

Christmas Eve doesn't work with my schedule (or those of the offspring units, who have to do the heavy lifting for me these days), but I applaud you.

Posted by georgiaboy (# 11294) on :

But if one is to properly celebrate the 40 days of Christmas, then the decorations should remain up until Feb 2!

And now that we no longer (at least most of us) have the 'gesima' weeks, there is no conflict in the calendar.

Just sayin'

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

See my earlier comment about dusting.

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

What is this 'dusting' of which you speak?

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

I put the candle-bridges up this afternoon; they'll be up from Advent to Candlemas. We had to buy a new tree (the one we had didn't make the move), and it's been decorated and lights checked for functionality, but hasn't been put up yet.

Graven Image has just reminded me that we have a little set of Nativity figures (I hope they made the move); they'll go on the window-sill when the tree goes up (probably next weekend).

A friend in St. John's has her Wise Men process round her dining-room (starting from the east, obviously) until they arrive with the rest of her Nativity set at Epiphany. I'm not quite that liturgically correct, but as the window faces north, it shouldn't be too hard to have them coming from the east. [Big Grin]

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Graven Image:
Has anyone started their holiday trimming and If so what is up so far?

Oh, dearie I, do you really have time to read all this?

So, approaching the Hedgehog House from the outside, you will note Christmas lights (multicolored) around the windows and the front door. A small wreath on the door, with a larger wreath (about 3 feet wide) under the lower window. Also, in a garden box out front, there is a sign reading "Merry Christmas." Hanging from an upstairs window is a banner with a full-length figure of Santa dressed in a blue ensemble and holding an American flag. As December goes on, this will change to another one of a more traditional Santa head and, on Christmas, to an image of a kitten playing with a Christmas ornament.

Stepping inside the house, you are confronted by a candy dish with seasonal chocolates and peppermint nougat. To your left, on the floor, is a faux-velvet tree skirt around a tree stand. But no tree yet. It isn't bought yet (always do real). No real hurry because it won't be decorated until Christmas Eve (by Santa). But back to the tour. On the wall is a large decorative throw of Santa Claus at the intersection of Holly Hill & Pine Bluff. On a stand next to the tall case clock is a foot high cinnamon-wax Santa. Some faux evergreen and ornaments is draped on top of the tall case.

Heading to the dining room, there are more lights wrapped around the chain going to the swag lamp. On the sideboard are several candles of various seasonal scents. Currently I am burning the "Spicy Peppermint and Spruce" candle. I am still puzzled as to how it gets its name as I don't detect either peppermint or spruce. There is an empty stable on the sideboard. Figurines will go in as I get the energy, but, of course, the Baby Jesus will not make an appearance until Christmas Day.

Moving to the living room, you will notice a two-foot tall Santa figurine standing on the floor. There is a fireplace in this room, and two stocking are hung by the chimney with care (one for me, one for my cat). On the mantlepiece are a couple Christmas-themed snow globes, as well as a snowman and another Santa figurine (6 inches). Above the fireplace is another wreath. More figures on the bookcase. On a table in front of the bookcase is a stack of Christmas music CDs; some book (A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street & The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus) and DVDs (Miracle on 34th Street, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and A Christmas Past). Also, another Santa figure acting as a sort of bookend. And some candles which are to be used to power...on a table by the back window (also decorated with lights) two German Christmas Pyramids. Oh, and there are a couple of smokers with boxes of incense cones of various flavors (and I can't tell one from another...it is possible that smell is not my best sense).

Looking out the window into the back yard you will see a modestly large evergreen also decorated with Christmas lights (multicolored, of course).

That's about it except that up in the bedrooms the windows, of course, have Christmas lights.

I did warn you.

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :

Many of the neighbors put their outdoor Christmas lights up last weekend when the weather was as good as it is likely to get. Those missed the opportunity may need to do so next weekend (forecast to be dry, but colder.)

Our preparations will be simpler: one or more electric candles placed in a high window facing the street as a welcome to weary travelers. The batteries only last about 3 weeks, so they can't go up too early. Most decking of halls, including the choice of which wreath to use and options for a tree (possibly a small evergreen in a pot that hasn't yet been planted in the yard) will wait until the decorator-in-chief returns from an Autumnal pilgrimage to Hawaii.

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

[Eek!]

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

(That was for Hedgehog...)

IJ

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :

Bah humbug

The tinsel went up around the railings at work Friday.

I live alone, but I did think of getting a small tree. Got one when I was in Ireland in 2001 and it brightened up the place. One day I might splurge for a standard size one...but I've only a hatchback so getting it home may be a problem.

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :

Forgot to say...love reading what you all are doing.

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

I haven't started my real holiday decorating yet, but inspired by this thread, I think I shall go and put my Merry Christmas banner on my apartment front door.

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :

Blast! I forgot! In the dining room, on the table, is the Advent Wreath. This year I am going with pillar candles in the appropriate colors (in previous years I used vigil lights).

And, in the entrance room, on the small sofa, there is an Opus doll with reindeer antlers and a pillow that bears the legend "Christmas is Love."

Typical. There is always something you forget.

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ian Climacus:
I live alone, but I did think of getting a small tree. Got one when I was in Ireland in 2001 and it brightened up the place. One day I might splurge for a standard size one...but I've only a hatchback so getting it home may be a problem.

One of my greatest discoveries was that any tree that could fit into my VW Golf (or now VW GTI) is exactly the right height for my ceilings.

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :

I was not going to decorate for Christmas this year. So, therefore, I have a little three foot live tree of indeterminate type. It was on sale, and who in their right mind can say no to a Christmas tree on sale? [Big Grin]

Even better than decorating, I've been playing my Christmas music on the piano! By Christmas Eve, at least half of it should be in my fingers. So, I guess those several books are decorating the piano.

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jedijudy:
Even better than decorating, I've been playing my Christmas music on the piano! By Christmas Eve, at least half of it should be in my fingers. So, I guess those several books are decorating the piano.

I have given instructions to family and friends that I want Christmas music played at my funeral, regardless of when I die. I want to be remembered at Christmas. One thing I am sure of: I will always be alive at Christmas. Death ain't gonna change that.

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

I'm holding out for "Helmsley."

(In honor of my beloved Shipmate Margaret, I offer this rendition from Lichfield Cathedral, where she and her husband are members: The best Advent hymn ever.)

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I have given instructions to family and friends that I want Christmas music played at my funeral, regardless of when I die. I want to be remembered at Christmas. One thing I am sure of: I will always be alive at Christmas. Death ain't gonna change that.

Several years ago a lovely older woman, a faithful member of my parish, had ‘Silent Night’ sung at her funeral. As she lay dying, her family had gathered around to sing, including many Christmas carols. Her favorite was always ‘Silent Night’ -- and she died while it was being sung. I still get teary-eyed thinking of her whenever it is sung.

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley."

(In honor of my beloved Shipmate Margaret, I offer this rendition from Lichfield Cathedral, where she and her husband are members: The best Advent hymn ever.)

Beautiful!

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ian Climacus:

I live alone, but I did think of getting a small tree. Got one when I was in Ireland in 2001 and it brightened up the place...

I was living alone one year in a small flat and wanted a Christmas Tree. During a weekend in the mountains I cut a branch of manzanita, a tough plant with beautiful red bark that grows in dry areas. I simply screwed it to the wall at a convenient height so it didn't take up floor space, then tied wrapped lollies in different colors onto it for ornaments. It was sort of ball shaped, about 70cm across.

It was festive for months. I finally took it down in May - when the third leaf fell off the branch.

I'm sure there are some Australian shrubs that would do as well without water, at least through the season.

Posted by Nick Tamen (# 15164) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:
Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I have given instructions to family and friends that I want Christmas music played at my funeral, regardless of when I die. I want to be remembered at Christmas. One thing I am sure of: I will always be alive at Christmas. Death ain't gonna change that.
Several years ago a lovely older woman, a faithful member of my parish, had ‘Silent Night’ sung at her funeral. As she lay dying, her family had gathered around to sing, including many Christmas carols. Her favorite was always ‘Silent Night’ -- and she died while it was being sung. I still get teary-eyed thinking of her whenever it is sung.

We sang “Joy to the World” at my mother's late-February funeral. She loved Christmas, and she had very strong opinions about the mood she wanted at her funeral—joyfully confident in the grace of God and the resurrection. It fit perfectly.

Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :

We have not celebrated Christmas at home for many years now, between traveling to ageing parents and new grandchildren. So I have gradually shed all the holiday ornaments and decor. However, I have charge of the holiday tree at the office, which I do differently every year. This year (it is an artificial tree) I wound it around with ten yards or so of criss-crossing red ribbon two inches wide; the ornaments go into the diamond-shaped gaps.

Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Nick Tamen:

quote:
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:
Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I have given instructions to family and friends that I want Christmas music played at my funeral, regardless of when I die. I want to be remembered at Christmas. One thing I am sure of: I will always be alive at Christmas. Death ain't gonna change that.
Several years ago a lovely older woman, a faithful member of my parish, had ‘Silent Night’ sung at her funeral. As she lay dying, her family had gathered around to sing, including many Christmas carols. Her favorite was always ‘Silent Night’ -- and she died while it was being sung. I still get teary-eyed thinking of her whenever it is sung.
We sang “Joy to the World” at my mother's late-February funeral. She loved Christmas, and she had very strong opinions about the mood she wanted at her funeral—joyfully confident in the grace of God and the resurrection. It fit perfectly.

I haven't given any specific instructions as to which songs to sing, but in my heart I hope that it occurs to somebody that "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" would be perfect...

Tidings of comfort and joy to you all.

Posted by teddybear (# 7842) on :

For years I decorated, mainly because I thought it was expected of me. Finally got up the nerve to stop and never looked back. The most I do is tape the few Christmas cards I get to the side of my built in china cabinet. Don't miss it in the least and neither does the cat.

Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :

This is our second, and last, Christmas in our temporary apartment digs. We have a main floor unit, and we try to keep the outside looking nice. We got a simple evergreen wreath for the main entrance door, and I also got one of those beribboned evergreen balls to hang on the shepherd's crook near the entrance where we had ap flowering basket this summer. On our apartment door we have an artificial Christmas wreath with tiny white battery operated lights that we turn on a couple hours in the evening. We just got a lighted artificial tree for our back patio...it's a bare- limbed style with the lights incorporated right in the branches, and it's very pretty. Nothing inside our apartment yet -- space is at a premium, so we keep it simple; also Don't want to have to paw through boxes in storage, looking for our Christmas bling.

Posted by Jane R (# 331) on :

Today is the day appointed for the annual ceremony of Dropping The Christmas Tree on Jane R's Head.

We used to wait until just before Christmas to put the decorations up, but Husband needs the extra time to put his train set out - which he can't do until the tree is in place.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley." ...

We'll be finishing off the Advent procession with that this afternoon, complete with an outrageous (but actually very singable) descant* written by D. over thirty years ago when we lived in Orkney.

[Yipee]

* It starts on a major 7th, which you might think rather odd, but it works very well. [Smile]

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :

We lit the first Advent candle on the special scandinavian stand at dinner this evening.

Cards are almost complete and ready for posting; presents are mostly bought and wrapping commences this week.

Puddings (2) and cake made; other food in freezer.

Outside lights will probably go up around the 16th/17th; the tree will come in on Christmas Eve, and the crib will also be put up then.

Posted by Baptist Trainfan (# 15128) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley."

The 22 people in our church made a brave stab at it in the evening service! [Smile]

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

Meant to write out Christmas cards today, but really didn't feel up to it. Tomorrow, perhaps.

We sang Helmsley as the Entrance Hymn this morning - really sets the Advent tone, IMHO.

IJ

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :

I see God has decorated my back patio. The poinsettia I've had back there for four? five? years, and has almost died several times, is about three times taller than it was when it was a lovely church poinsettia. The bracts are coloring up very nicely, and it should be spectacular before too long! [Big Grin]

[spelink and brain turned off after cantata]

[ 03. December 2017, 21:34: Message edited by: jedijudy ]

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :

Today I saw a car with cloth antlers. [Roll Eyes]

Moo

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

Like this?

Rather fetching, IMHO...especially with the red nose as well.

IJ

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Bishops Finger:
Like this?

Rather fetching, IMHO...especially with the red nose as well.

IJ

Antlers like that, but no red nose.

Moo

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

I have started a pair of Advent calendars; the Mater's ancient Advent angels are set up on the mantle; I have lit the first Advent candle in the wreath; I have sung "Helmsley." (I've also sung all eight verses of "Veni, veni, Emmanuel," but "Lo, he comes" is my focus, hymn-wise.)

It is enough for now.

Fortunately, I don't have to think too much about Christmas yet - although I do need to think about mailing things to Alaska and the UK. Later this week, for sure - but, for now, I'm happy to anticipate.

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Nick Tamen:
We sang “Joy to the World” at my mother's late-February funeral. She loved Christmas, and she had very strong opinions about the mood she wanted at her funeral—joyfully confident in the grace of God and the resurrection. It fit perfectly.

Since 'Joy to the World' is Watts's metrical version of part of Psalm 98, there's no reason why it should be exclusive to Christmas. It is, though, very suitable for Christmas.

I want the Easter hymn 'Thine be the glory' at mine, whatever time of year it is.

Putting decorations up now - apart from specifically Advent ones like one's Advent calendar - is definitely Outrage. I noticed several lit trees in windows yesterday evening, but that doesn't excuse them from being Outrage.

Long ago, in ancient times - i.e. my childhood - they went up on Christmas Eve and came down on Twelfth Night. I confess with a certain amount of guilt that in this house these days standards have slipped. They go up about a week before Christmas. They still, though, come down in the evening on 5th January.

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :

The Hindu family across the street from me are the first family on our block to have their Christmas tree and outdoor Christmas lights up. It's very festive!

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :

I'm "Bah Humbug" when it comes to decorations. Thankfully the kids like to get involved so it means I don't have to contribute, other than getting the box of decorations down from the loft and helping shift the furniture to make way for the tree.
I didn't even bother taking the lights off the outside tree last season - you don't see them once the tree is leaf - so hopefully they will still work, or only need a change of batteries.

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

My only Advent "decoration" this year was changing the wallpaper image on my desktop computer to this (except I blacked out the white "Advent" -- I thought it looked nicer without it, and it's pretty self-evident that this is Advent).

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

Excellent! Correct liturgical colours, too.
[Big Grin]

Christmas cards to write.....must leave computer.....

falalalalalalalalaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

IJ

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

I return, covered in Virtue, to report that the Christmas cards that need to be posted have now been written (distant family members, mostly).

It is now Dark Outside, so the journey to the Po Stoffis must wait until tomorrow...

...at which time, I might also (belatedly) purchase a small Advent Candle Bridge for the Palace window. [Eek!]

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

No way during Advent - when it gets dark on Christmas Eve is the time for it.

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

[Razz]

In Christian Love, of course.

IJ

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley." ...
We'll be finishing off the Advent procession with that this afternoon, complete with an outrageous (but actually very singable) descant* written by D. over thirty years ago when we lived in Orkney.

* It starts on a major 7th, which you might think rather odd, but it works very well.

We sang the text twice yesterday. Morning Eucharist crowd got the less-loved tune in 1982 (St. Thomas, I believe,) and the crowd at the evening Advent carol service got to sing Helmsley. We also have a house descant for Helmsley, written by a former staff Tenor who is now an occasional substitute.

As for decorations, the Queen of Bashan somehow managed to put up three trees yesterday, one real and two artificial. (She works at a flour shop that does holiday decoration set-up for hire this time of year, so we can usually score some pretty good second-hand decorations for significant discount, if not for free, in January).

Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:
Originally posted by Ian Climacus:
I live alone, but I did think of getting a small tree. Got one when I was in Ireland in 2001 and it brightened up the place. One day I might splurge for a standard size one...but I've only a hatchback so getting it home may be a problem.
One of my greatest discoveries was that any tree that could fit into my VW Golf (or now VW GTI) is exactly the right height for my ceilings.

One of my friends from DC posted a pic of her boyfriend riding his bike, their house tree strapped to his back.

"My Hero," it's captioned.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Crikey, Ariston - that is a bit heroic!

I'm going to have to invest in some spare light-bulbs for the candle-bridges; I noticed when putting them up that one of the lights on one bridge seemed to be much brighter than all the others, and sure enough, it blew last night.

It won't hurt to have some spares anyway.

I'm glad to report that the Nativity figures have been located - I didn't think that D. would have left them behind, as buying them was his idea.

Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :

Advent calendar is up and running and we have also been using our Christmas themed mugs for coffee since the 1st.

First Sunday of Advent saw the Nativity characters appear in our sitting room. (The baby and manger are currently in the drinks cabinet) and the rest of them are making their way around the room heading for Bethlehem (on top of the drinks cabinet on Christmas Eve) [Biased]

The wreath and battered tin tray with Father Christmas on it will go up on the 6th. (My American roots are part Dutch)
The tree and all other greenery/bows/ ornaments always go up on 17th to mark the start of the O Antiphons

I just love this time of waiting. [Smile]

The argument in our family is about when the Christmas decorations should come down!

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

quote:
Originally posted by MrsBeaky:
The baby and manger are currently in the drinks cabinet.

Is the Child Protection Service (or whatever you call them in your part of the world) aware of this?

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

My grandchildren came round on the afternoon of Advent Sunday and decorated my tree as they do each year. This is a very special time with all the children and is followed by a pizza party and enjoyment for all.

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley."

(In honor of my beloved Shipmate Margaret, I offer this rendition from Lichfield Cathedral, where she and her husband are members: The best Advent hymn ever.)

Another one checking in as associated with Lichfield Cathedral! Fab choir!

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

quote:
Originally posted by St Everild:
...Fab choir!

I enjoyed hearing them the Sunday I was there!

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:
Originally posted by MrsBeaky:
The baby and manger are currently in the drinks cabinet.
Is the Child Protection Service (or whatever you call them in your part of the world) aware of this?

I was thinking it was a novel way of getting the baby to go to sleep ... [Big Grin]

Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:
Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:
Originally posted by MrsBeaky:
The baby and manger are currently in the drinks cabinet.
Is the Child Protection Service (or whatever you call them in your part of the world) aware of this?
I was thinking it was a novel way of getting the baby to go to sleep ...

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :

No problem - he can't reach to unscrew the bottles. [Big Grin]

Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :

Perhaps the Beaky household has something like this tantalus.

[Help]

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

Despite D's general bah-humbugness when it comes to decorations, he actually made a suggestion on the subject yesterday.

We were given a star ornament (about 6 inches across) last Christmas and he suggested putting it on the top of the tree. Alas, it's too heavy - I did try tying it to the top branch, but it was having none of it - but we agreed that it could be hung from the middle of the curtain-pole, which should work quite well.

Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :

Just to add a touch of reality to Yuletide: my decorations cost me nothing because I have none. Not anything.

This is because everywhere I go, my eyes are assaulted by decorations of the Hall. In my small corner of this huge complex where I am currently warehoused are three trees and much more. It's enough to make the Baby Jesus cry.

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rossweisse:
I'm holding out for "Helmsley."

(In honor of my beloved Shipmate Margaret, I offer this rendition from Lichfield Cathedral, where she and her husband are members: The best Advent hymn ever.)

What? With its blaming the Jews for nailing Jesus to a tree and deeply wailing?

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

That can be interpreted in different ways, or the words can be changed. Nothing can alter the incredibly wonderful tune.

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :

With apologies to the purists out there, the halls chez Piglet have now been decked.

There were so many pretty trees lit up on our way into town this evening that I thought, sod it, I'm putting up the tree and whatnot.

Sadly, the lights on the "whatnot" bit have decided they don't work, so we haven't got the garland bedecking the curtain-rail. Maybe it's feeling redundant because in the old château it decorated the stair-rods, and the new one hasn't got any ... [Paranoid]

No matter: the new tree looks really nice (with the Nativity figures on the window-sill coming from more-or-less the right direction), as does the little tree on a corner table in the dining-room.

Piglet, beginning to feel decidedly festive [Smile]

Posted by Philip Charles (# 618) on :

Stan Freberg speaks for me. Bah! Humbug!

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :

Warning - you may need a bucket.

Slightly changing the subject but not much. Is this 'The Cat Carol 2017' the worst Christmas song you have encountered? Not sure whether it belongs in Heaven or Hell, but for the pleasure it can bring for all the reasons unintended by whoever wrote and sang it, feel Heaven is almost deserved.

It has the lot:-
- Bad theology.
- Bad natural history.
- Bad astronomy.
- Doesn't rhyme.
- Doesn't scan.
- Words don't fit music.
- Saccharine sentiment to a new and hitherto unattained level.
- Tune so sentimental that it will become for you an unwelcome ear worm.

Or does my inability to be moved as the singer and songwriter presumably between them intended, shock you? Does it indicate that there's something badly wrong with me, that my soul has become just too jaded?

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

Gosh, Enoch, that's gawdawful. (And I love cats.)

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

Hasten Jason bring the basin. Too late, bring the mop. [Projectile]

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

Chez Nen the decorations went up yesterday. For the last few years we've had a real tree but this year are deliberately doing things a bit differently so have dug out the old artificial one we used when the children were younger. It scrubs up quite well. [Smile]

I've been wrapping presents this afternoon. We've had a bit of snow so everything feels nicely festive.

Posted by Sparrow (# 2458) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Enoch:

I want the Easter hymn 'Thine be the glory' at mine, whatever time of year it is.

I chose it for my mother's and I intend to have it at mine. How can your argue with "Endless is the victory thou o'er death hast won".

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :

Have just finished putting up my tree, and other decorations in my apartment. The saddest thing I had to do was take off the two name stockings of my two cats who died this year from the ribbon I hang the stockings from. [Tear]

But everything looks lovely and I am ready to start the season right.

Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :

(((Nicole)))

I lit the second Advent candle today.

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :

Tree is up, but lights will not come on until Christmas Eve, when baby arrives in manger. Gifts are wrapped, and those going by post are mailed. Cookies are baked and hidden in the freezer.
I am done, now for a quiet and peaceful ending of Advent, as soon as I finish cleaning up the mess of making peanut brittle. I had forgotten what a sticky mess it makes everything. UGG

Posted by no prophet's flag is set so... (# 15560) on :

The lights went on the house at the start of November, on a -10°C day. They get turned on timer on 12 November by tradition, which is the day after Remebrance Day. The sun is rising just in advance of 10am and setting 4pm, so for cheerfulness we like them on. They generally keep going until the start of Lent.

The tree: up on Sunday. We host 29 on Friday for my office Xmas party. Has to be up for that. Family supper with the more kids the better. Presents? Unimportant. Next week there's a 9 lessons and carols which is really one of my highlights. Being a sap even thinking of it brings tears to my eyes. Does anyone else react like that to such things? Probably would seem a little odd to many: starts in Cree with drumming and an honour song, which is incredibly moving to the likes of me.

Elsewhere is posted about Vivaldi's Gloria. The very thought of that moves me similarly. This was part of a baroque series last year. Encroyable! (Incredible!) how someone can pray with pure sound like that. Beyond imagination.

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :

When I moved here seven years ago, I treated myself to genuine tree candle holders - the weighted kind, not clip-ons. Since then, I've never spent a Christmas at home, so, barring cards and some festive greenery, decorations don't happen. No doubt the day will come...

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