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The temperatures outside were below freezing. I checked the weather forecast and dressed in several layers. When I stepped outside the wind bit into my garments to let me know that Winter was dominating the season.
My initial shivering was out of respect. I pulled down my hat, cinched up my coat and thrust my hands deep into my pockets. Then, I turned West and started my brisk morning walk.
Downtown was cheerily decorated with Christmas lights, garlands, wreaths, candy canes and stunning decorations. As long as I kept moving, the exercise would keep my blood flowing freely. I had no planned stops.
But, a striking nativity scene on the lawn of a private residence caught my eye. A manger cradled the baby Jesus. Mary was watchfully close by and showering her motherly love over the newborn. Shepherds crowded closely too along with sheep by their side.
What made me smile was the figure on the perimeter of this historic gathering. As quiet as he was in the Biblical account, Joseph is watching the scene. But, he is a hero that makes the Christmas story come to life.
As a very young man, poor by any economical standards, his greatest joy in life was to be pledged to Mary as her husband. According to the customs of his culture, they would be apart for a year. This would be the unequivocal proof of the purity of the bride.
Then, came the devastating news. Some time before the betrothal year is completed, Mary is found to be with child. Joseph was devastated.
After thoughtful consideration of his options, he decided to divorce Mary quietly. Then, the angel of the Lord visits with him in a dram and commands him to take Mary as his wife without fear. The child is declared to have been conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, a righteous man, wakes up and immediately takes Mary as his wife, not even waiting for the betrothal period to be completed. His decision allows him to take a lot of the gossip and slander that Mary would have had to face alone. Joseph and Mary both knew the truth that something very good was assumed to be dirty by those who meddle and are nosey busybodies.
Christmas is a beautiful story. It is even more amazing when the characters are examined. Joseph, is one its very quiet heroes.
photo credit: google image
Four teams gathered at our church. We were all cheery with excitement. Christmas caroling to members of our church was on our calendars.
The weather was just right. Temperatures had dropped into the 30’s. Everyone of us came with layers of clothes. We were all bundled up to stay warm.
Homemade cookies were packaged in brightly colors tissue and ribbon. That’s right. Not only were we going to sing but we were delivering cookies to all who were on our list as well.
Each of our teams was given a map, addresses and plan for the post-caroling activities. We laughed, teased, fellowshipped deeply and hugged so many of the real stars of the afternoon show: the kids!
Our strategy was simple. We would approach an assigned homes. Then we would line up the cute children in the front while we adults hid behind them.
Our team rolled up to the first assigned home and sang with joy. The children delivered the cookies. Smiles and gratitude were spread around to all.
The evening was starting to get us all jazzed. That was the common anticipation until we got to the next house on our schedule. Then we were surprised.
We slipped and slid our way up to the house across icy walkways and snow-covered lawns. Together we began to sing a favorite Christmas carol. Well into our musical rendition the bad news was announced, “No one is home!”
Abruptly, we stopped singing in the middle of the chorus. Sadly, we all turned to leave. Off to the next house we were still excited to exercise our golden pipes.
At the next house we started to sing again. But, the lights of the house did not turn on. Instead, we surmised that after several attempts at the door bell, we stopped singing again.
The jokes started, “Maybe they heard that we were coming.” “Do we really sing that badly? “Who told them that we were coming?” “Are they hiding from us?”
We decided that we would carol on Sunday. After church we would line both sides of the exit and force all of our church members to pass through one door and walk between us while we sang. It would be a caroling gauntlet.
Are you home? May we come and sing for you? We are very well rehearsed, at least the first half of the first verse. The kids are cute!
photo credit: google image
Saturday was time to head to the shopping center. It is not far from our apartment and during this time of the year it is decorated with the beauty of Christmas. All of the glitter and glitz is fun.
Once we found a close parking spot we bundled up to make the short walk to the Mall entrance. Arriving early for the best parking is my favorite strategy. It’s a guy-thing.
After years of shopping mall escapades I have noticed that the first hour of a shopping day is best for men. The real crowds still sleep in before beginning their Saturday. Crowd-craziness starts after 11AM.
Also, Kryptonite that is in the floors of every Mall is activated by traffic. Don’t make any mistakes, however. This insidious element that drains every superman of his energy is latent in mall construction.
Wooden benches works better than lead to dramatically reduce its effects. Sit often and let the protective cleansing effects of natural wood counter the Kryptonite-drain. If you can’t find a wooden bench, any chair has positive protective elements in it.
Providentially, my wooden bench overlooked the stage three floors below. The WJR 760 radio station was broadcasting their annual Christmas caroling program. I had a ringside seat.
An usher handed me a song sheet. I looked over the 24 songs. My smile was automatic, since I recognized all of the songs.
Crowds of people filled in the floor around the stage. A choir filed on to the stage to the applause of the audience. Brightly dressed personnel directed the hour-long show.
Music of the Christmas season filled the acoustically-live mall. My voice joined the celebration. No one joined me on my Kryptonite-protecting-bench. My frog-like singing must have kept them all away! But, it was joyful.
I’ve never been much of a singer. Carrying a tune in a bucket is something that I can do. It’s just that a lot splash out.
But, the familiar tunes made me glad. Christmas carols have that effect on people. An aura of cheer spreads when the music spreads.
There were no sightings of any Grinch around the carolers. Neither was there any Scrooge slinking about the perimeters. Very few frowns could be found.
For a few moments Christmas cheer held at bay everything that is ugly. Songs celebrating the birth of the King reminded us of hope. Sing a Chistmas song and real joy will emerge.
photo credit: Google image
Years and years ago I decided to add a personal touch to the annual ritual of the family Christmas card exchange. Cards of every variety came into our home. The glitz and glamour was spectacular.
I wanted to do something with a personal touch. That opportunity for a creative expression came when we were overseas. Money was tight when we lived in the UK forcing us to be creative.
We purchased a tree, borrowed some Christmas lights and then hand-made ornaments as a family to hang on our tree. At the time we were living in Scotland and laughed since we wrote on several of our ornaments “handmade in Scotland.” Our first Christmas overseas enhanced a desire to keep in touch with our family and friends.
That was the year that I chose to draw a Christmas card, duplicate it, write our family update letter on the inside of the card and hope that everyone would take an extra moment to see what was up with the Fongs. That began a Christmas tradition that has been a part of our lives for over 20 years.
During my years in Scotland I created a cartoon series. It is called Penjing. That is the Chinese art of growing a little tree in a little pot. Bonsai is the Japanese counterpart.
Little children living their lives with hope in their daily routine is the storyline of Penjing. That creation has launched these lovable little tykes on to the Fong Family Christmas card for as many years. Of course the children are all Asian.
The Christmas card is printed on one side of an 8.5×11 sheet of paper. When it is folded into quarters it forms a standard size invitation. It’s a lot of work but it is also fun and happens to be a LOT cheaper than purchasing commercial cards.
On the inside of our annual Christmas personal creation is our family newsletter. But, rather than just writing it like a newspaper, we have had our family dog, Dusty (a Lhasa Apso) serve as our Amanuensis, family scribe. From the dog’s view he reviews the highlights of our family members.
He was such a hit that we have continued to use him as a our Scribe even though his life ended in 2007. Dusty writes our Family letter from that Great Kennel in the Sky. That’s enough blogging. I have to finish producing our 2009 Christmas letter and get them to the Post Office!
Last night we entered into the Christmas season with gusto. We had a rendezvous with the staff that I work with in Ann Arbor. We gathered at my favorite restaurant for dinner.
I met with Tommy the owner of the restaurant a week ago and made all of the arrangements. The menu was left in his capable hands. Our party of eight was primed for a fun night of celebrating during our first Christmas together.
Yvonne and I smiled when Tommy told us what he would be serving. Everyone had their choice of soup: hot and sour, won ton or egg drop. All three were delicious and brought instant smiles from our entire staff.
Tommy was busy in the kitchen and then started sending out fragrant dishes with outstanding presentation. Szechuan beef, seafood chow mein and General Tso’s chicken began our meal. We all started to dig in with enthusiasm.
Then, the seafood hot-pot followed. It was filled with gigantic scallops, prawns, water chestnuts, and chunks of delicate fish. There was an excellent balance of brightly steamed broccoli.
Green beans with ground pork came next. The combination of flavors was perfect. The pork melted in our mouths.
Finally, the teriyaki chicken wrapped up the evening meal. Tommy cooked the chicken dish with tender care. The slices of chicken were all moist and masterfully seasoned.
At the end of the meal we enjoyed freshly fried doughnuts. They were sweetened just enough to finish our meal with pizzaz. We laughed at the fortune cookie proverbs.
That’s really what this meal was all about. The food was just an excuse. We all had to eat but tonight we ate together to enjoy what was really important.
Brian & Stacie, Derek & Christy and Adam & Jenny were our guests for dinner. We laughed about funny stories. Then we took in the heart stories of how we met Jesus for the first time.
Living life in ministry was a big part of what our evening conversation. Our family memories spiced up the dialogue. More laughter filled up that evening.
Yes, food was fabulous and important. It fill our appetites and aroused our taste buds. But, the most important part of our evening was sharing deeply in our lives.
We have been intertwined in faithful work for months. But, our common calling for service has been linked since eternity. Last night we feasted on real fellowship.
photo credit: Google image
Now is the season for Christmas gift shopping. This is a favorite part of the season. We have a list of people that we want to give a token of our appreciation and love.
Yes, love is a big part of the expression of this season. It is a good thing to be able to love others. Jesus wants us to do this. It is not an inappropriate emotion but a righteous expression of our devotion.
The spoken word is not a validation of true love. Some people say the words but there is nothing real about their love. But, devotion, loyalty, commitment, trust, forgiveness and the like is what makes love genuine.
Our list is filled with people that we love. They are people that we have told that we love them. I have even written to these special people that I love them.
This shopping for these dearly loved people is one of the few times when I enjoy the activity of shopping. For me shopping is like a project. I set out with a determination to accomplish the goal. It is an objective to conquer! Ahoogah!
My list was completed with one stop. That was a total of seven gifts. On top of that we kept the project under budget! Success was sweet.
But, my wife had her list. It wasn’t as long as mine. Many stores and several days later, I am smiling broadly as I watch her go through the process of her shopping.
Women do not shop to conquer an objective. They are into the experience of enjoying the search. It is not even a search but a stroll, a time to relate to many products.
Even something as functional and utilitarian as an electric spinning toothbrush has to be contemplated, considered, and compared. Men just look, grab the cheapest one and leave the store. Women pick up each variation, examine it, put it back, pick up the next one, turn it over, put it back, pick up another one and compare it by holding it up to the last one, cock their head for a different perspective and on and on while we men stand as a patient sentinel guarding this moment of shopping by the female species.
But, the sights and sounds of the season made the extended shopping festive. It was fun. Now, we’re both done! Hallelujah!
photo credit: Google image
Christmas this year was going to be simple. The thought of NOT putting up any Christmas lights was even fleetingly entertained. But, decorations are too special.
A beautiful poinsettia was given to us as a gift. It decks our coffee table. The deep red star shape leaves shout out Christmas.
So we added our little 3 foot Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It is shining brightly with lights, garland and ornaments. I even planned the colors! Ha, I’m almost as good as an interior decorator, eh?
But, we needed something more. We wandered around the local discount store. Ideas popped into my head.
There was an “aha!” moment. Season banners caught our eye. We discussed various designs. That’s when we settled on our favorite word of the season: JOY!
All of our neighbors can catch a glimpse of our word to them for this spectacular season. It is a simple word that naturally calls for an exclamation point. Whether this grammatical punctuation is added or not it is an instantaneous emotion.
Tonight we added a few more seasonal decorations. We stopped by our storage room. It only took a few moments to search for our Christmas items. Yay! I did store them in an easy to reach section!
Now, our huge picture window of our apartment is part of our Christmas display. It now broadcasts greetings to our neighborhood. It adds to our festive mood.
At the center of our window dressing is an angel playing a brass horn announcing the birth of Jesus. She is surrounded by two gorgeous candles declaring that the baby is also the light of the world. Candles have a lasting single flame gives off both warmth and light.
Two Christmas trees light up our display on the borders. They remind us that Jesus is here to give us life.
And the final piece is a candy cane. That sweet piece illustrates a shepherd’s staff. For Jesus is also the Good Shepherd.
Each one of our window lights is color coordinated. These special decorations have been with me for years. Now, they have followed me to our new home. It’s a temporary home but the lights of this special season remind me that what we have in our faith has stayed with us.
We miss our last house. It was tough to leave it. But, what’s really important is with us this Christmas season. These sparkling lights remind us that we still have what we will always have and never lose.
photo credit: brucefong photography
Our storage room is packed to the gills. There is space to walk the perimeter of our stack of stuff. But, getting anything from the middle of the pile will have to wait until we move to our next permanent home.
That makes retrieving seasonal stuff like Christmas decorations a bit of a challenge. My eyes caught on to a brown box with a Christmas picture on the side. It was a small Christmas tree. The box was still sealed. Some time in our past we picked up this tree and never opened the box.
Don’t ask me what variety of tree it is because I really don’t know. Possibly it is a blue spruce. Then again it might be a yellow pine. Of course it just may be a grand fir. But, I do know that it is an evergreen and it won’t shed its leaves.
All of the technicalities aside I am tickled that it will fit our cozy apartment just fine. Furthermore, I can trim it out with very few decorations. And it won’t take up much floor space. It is a winner all the way around.
Once I opened the box and pulled out the tree, I was smirked since there wasn’t much to it. I held the one piece tree in one hand and the three pieces to the stand in the other. Sliding the stand pieces into the bottom of the tree was easy. I set the completed tree on an end table. It was really small!
I stepped back to get a better look at it. Sure enough it was tiny! We had received a Poinsettia as a gift. The plant was as big as the tree.
Then, I sat in my recliner to analyze the situation. The description on the box was accurate. It did not lie. But, I had to do something for my sad miniature Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
So I tilted my head and took a mental picture. Next I stopped at a local variety store and shopped for lights, garland, ornaments and a tree-top. Once back at home I hung all of the decorations.
I plugged in the lights, dimmed the rest of the living room lights and shazzam! Shining out in the dark of our little abode, this little tree shed some huge amounts of cheery lights. This was a beautiful tree and exactly what we need for our first Christmas in our new home.
photo credit: Google image
In our recent move and dramatic downsizing I made one of many mental notes. We had to sort out what to move from our wonderful house to a cozy apartment. Storage at our new home is very limited.
A generous friend made an extra room available for our storage. That was a gift from heaven! While we gave away, discarded and donated over half of our earthly possessions, there were still plenty of priceless items to store in her designated space.
Our Christmas decorations were on the list to be reduced down to a minimum. But, one of the items was set aside to be saved. It was the key of my wife’s classroom Christmas decore: a tree. I put that item in an easy to reach location.
Yesterday it was time to help with the Season’s decorations. Smiling to myself I retrieved the tree that was wrapped up in large plastic bags. For a while I relished my careful plan for this special time of the year.
I brought the tree to the front of the classroom. 15 wide-eyed second grade children watched my every move as I unwrapped the tree. The first part was to reattach the stand to the base of the tree. After that was completed I was puzzled.
The base was holding the tree trunk. But, the top of the tree was missing. That’s when I realized that the beauty of the tree was nowhere to be found.
Besides my shock the confused look on the children’s face was unforgettable. Artificial trees are convenient, easy to assemble, break down quickly for compact storage but they look awful if key parts are missing, especially when all we had was a tree trunk. Who knows where the top is?
Somewhere at a thrift store someone has a deal on a “little” tree. Maybe it is buried in a landfill somewhere. Or sadly, it may well be at the bottom of our pile of storage boxes yelping for help and crying for discovery.
It is too late for any rescue. The children needed a tree. I went off to a local discount store and bought a new artificial tree. It was of course ON SALE.
I set up the tree. Then, I turned on the lights to the children’s “ooh’s” and “ah’s”. This tree is no longer topless. It is whole and beautifully lit up for this wonderful time of the year.
photo credit: Google image
A decade ago I saw a Christmas decoration that I really liked. It was new on the holiday decorating scene. Wire was formed into the shape of a life-sized deer. Lights lined the outline for a special night time image.
It’s one of those times when you can’t get that item out of your mind. Besides several of my neighbors already had one in their yards. Similar pieces were appearing around the area.
The next year, these deer figures were introduced again but this time there was an upgrade. Now, they were animated. That’s when I bought one. When I plugged it in to electrical power it not only lit up but it also had its head sway back and forth.
I built a platform for it to be mounted on my roof. That was my favorite Christmas decoration for years. Even as time passed and I put up fewer and fewer decorations that one was the final retirement from the annual light show.
For the past several years I just set this deer on my patio. Then, in the last year or two I didn’t even plug it in. Afterall, four quadrants of lights make up this display. In the last four years, one quadrant at a time would malfunction. Now only the hind quarter lights up. It’s not too spectacular any more.
My family hinted strongly that it was time to dump the deer. I procrastinated. But, storage of a non-working decoration was the final push.
I loaded my favorite Christmas piece into my truck along with a bags of clothes, electronics, and sports equipment. My destination was the Salvation Army store. Once I arrived I began to unload my donations.
The deer was last. That’s when the volunteer waved his hand for me to stop. Christmas decorations were not accepted. I was stunned. That’s the first time that I ever had a donation rejected.
On my way home, I smiled. Maybe I could keep my favorite decoration just a little longer. Afterall I could just figure out how to fix it. Then, it could be refreshed for many more years to come.
In fact it could be a family heirloom. My will could actually designate who inherits it so that there’s no family squabbling. I can’t wait to tell my family the good news.
