Just for something a bit different - I thought I'd have a thread dedicated to the upcoming Festive Season and what (if anything) it means to you? No poem better expresses the magic and excitement of
Christmas Eve than Clement C. Moore's, "The Night Before Christmas, written in 1822, this timeless story of a visit from St Nicholas has touched the hearts of children for generations. Much as I love the poem, there's another that I also love. It's called, "Bush Nativity..." I'd like to share it here with you:

"The outback was buzzing with wonderful news a wallaby passed it to two kangaroos. Spiny echidnas emerged from the ground, busy young bandicoots bounded around, a web-footed platypus gazed at the view, some fluffy-tailed gliders looked longingly too. Carolling kookaburras
laughed with delight, crimson rosellas sang right through the night.
Along loped an emu as though in a dream, koalas stopped munching to show their esteem. Dancing grey brolgas stepped forward and bowed, bright-crested cockatoos chattered aloud. A possum quite joyfully pricked up one ear and wide-eyed with wonder a wombat crept near. The stars of the Southern Cross pointed the way to the Babe who was born on that first Christmas Day."

What does Christmas mean to you?

For my family it is about family not Christ.
We grew up with the standard British roast hot lunch and tea the hot puddings, males made that by tradition.
I made the last ten years ones but gave it up about that long ago.
My tree is Australian gum, extra leaves on the ground for the smell.
Last year was my last ever traditional hot one, a Christian, intent on pushing his own wants and needs ruined that one.
So Aussie all the way fish fruit plates hams and cold meat, prawn and shell fish.
Washed down with beer and wines and joyful because we are together.I like the joy in kids faces but think it is an excuse to be together nothing else.

Belly:

It sounds simply lovely! I love the smell of gum leaves (and eucalyptus oil). And ham, sea-food, decorating a tree, spending time with family - couldn't be better. It's about family in our house as well. I usually do a sea-food feast on Christmas Eve, with a traditional hot Christmas Lunch. Don't laugh, but I've kept Margaret
Fulton's, "Complete Guide to a Tasty Christmas," and have faithfully used it for years, beginning with a glazed ham, Christmas vegies (baby beans with almonds, brussel sprouts with chestnuts, yummy yams, roast potatoes),We have a fruit bombe for dessert, and of course, beer, wine, fruit-punch, and the traditional hazelnut and chocolate yule log. This year however, my daughter-in-law has volunteered to do Christmas-Lunch - so I'm really looking forward to it. Christmas Eve as usual will be at our place.

We don't do Christmas at Chez Talisman,
but we do an indulgent Saturnalia.
Unless the grandkids are here on the day,
but they live hundreds of klicks away.
Forget the hot roast, but mucho seafood,
salad, vino and fruit. Also talisman's
world famous Saturnalia fruitcake and
pudding with brandy sauce later.

We do the family thing in the New Year,
once the stupid season's settled down a bit.

Talisman:

An indulgent Saturnalia with mucho seafood, vino, and fruit sounds very decadent. And my taste buds are on high alert at the mere mention of your world famous fruitcake and pudding with brandy sauce.(I love fruit-cake). I can imagine also, that your family celebrations during the New Year are equally joyous. Thanks for sharing - it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! ;-)

bah humbug...christ-mass joy...oh boy

the saviour is born...why does it sound..like so much spin
just like work/choices...wasnt about choice

or how qld-labour...debates..*if xmass..is a public/holiday
actually debates..if workers*..should get..the HOLY-day/rate

bah hungbug

so whats CHRIST/..mass-day...not the day the saviour was born
thats some time in september..[we narrowed it down to..last year]

its about gluttony...and about consuming...and spending..[on credit]

its about the murder of a tree..then watching it die..[and saying gee dont it smell GREAT..lets EAT]..lots of old..salted-meat

bah hunbug

here is a day..when the satan-clause..is clearly revealed
with the old..bearded child perveyer..watching your child

the all knowing god_replacement..for athiests..
that even missconcieves..god being good..

using material gifts..to hide gods..*free gifts
he gives us all...oh-so naturally..

lets get drunk
ode to the xmass party..for the fat..to chat-up..the perky

can govt claim..a risen death-toll..[on the holiday/period]..if it fails to recognise..it even beind..*a holiday..for the base-pay working slob...

[yet govt-members..take a three month sabatical..
[yeah this xmass scam..its really radical]

baa-baa ha-nn bug

lets sing of the holy night..the silent night..unless your one of the servants..doing your job..[to wit..the halfwit..the working class..blue colour slob]

lets recall..this as a day..*purified by yellow snow
not the stuff that you suck up ya nose..the taliban helps grow

dont don ya scates if someone offers you ice
it will be packed into a pipe...[aint that..old sain nik nice]

sorry about bringing..the rest of you down
just recall there is nothing as funny...as a cia clown
flying rendition flights of fancey..and media silence..getting drunk on free booze...we all win by their spin...we got nought else to loose

dont let me bring ya down
if its not about jesus..then whats it all about..is simply what it is

an excuse..for further excuse and abuse
its funny..im sweating...yet im frozen within

the day shall be..as you make it
and if you dont..the media will not fail to report it

ok the wierd guy..[freak]..
has left the room

leans back..in his chair
and the chair slowly tipssssssssssss

party on..

show us..ya tips

ho...ho....ho...
[were all a ho...dont ya know]
ho...ho...ho..ho

ho-hum
bug...grrrr

OUG:

Sometimes you do surprise me! But I suppose Australian spirituality is understated, and ultimately characterised by "a serious quiet reverance, a deliberate silence...an inarticulate awe and a serious distate for glib wordiness..." I suppose that part of the problem is that some people tend to judge themselves by the ostentatious religiousity of American Protestantism. Still others are looking for a form of expression which is sensitive to the spirit this land has within it. Australia does have a vast and silent spiritual heart ...
(now I'm beginning to sound like Oprah Winfrey).;-)

Christmas to many people is the happiest and busiest time of the year because it does involve family. People of different backgrounds celebrate Christmas in various ways depending on their cultural background, national and local customs. We usually go to midnight-mass on Christmas Eve, we decorate our tree with ornaments, tinsel, and coloured lights. We join hands and say a prayer before the meal,
we sing Christmas carols, the sound of bells and carols fills the air,
and so on. Our youngest son is spending this Christmas in London, they've booked places for the evening Church-Service in Westminster Abbey, which should be awesome. I can't deny it. I love Christmas and
what it stands for. Joy and Peace, Goodwill on Earth ...

I'm not into Christmas and I'm not a Christian,
but you don't have to be to appreciate this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

Plenty of joy there!

Not a Christian, don't need to be. The christmas season lost all relevance to Jesus along time ago.
For me it is family and especially my children. 11 and 10 year old twins, so we are really in the prime of xmas fever. The day is always a pleasure with presents first then a yum breakfast. Late lunch normally cold with lot's of Mum's home made products.
The best part is that xmas means the long summer break, i have my kids to myself for six weeks of holiday, fun and adventure. It is always great to be close to them and watch them develop then cry as they go back to school knowing that in weeks they will return to the horrible monsters that school social life produces.
Have a good one all of you and treasure the family time. This will be our first xmas without Dad so it will be a little sad.

Talisman:

Thanks for that. It is much appreciated!

Nairbe:

So sorry to hear about your family's loss. The anniversary of my step-father's death was in October - so yes, our Christmas will have an empty space at our table. Still, I'm glad you've got the kids and family times ahead. Children bring so much joy, and of course you love them unconditionally. Enjoy your time with them - and wishing you and them every possible Happiness and Joy!

That was very cool Talisman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQLCZOG202k

I love flash mobs!

Thanks for a happy thread Lexi.

Jewely:

Thanks for your kind words. I thought we all could do with some cheering up. Before I forget,there's a lovely picture book that might be worth a look for anyone interested in giving a book as a stocking-filler to a young child. It's title is, "Wombat Divine," by Mem Fox. It's a lovely Christmas story about a wombat who loved Christmas. He loved the carols, candles, presents, pudding, but most of all he loved the bush Nativity play. In this story wombat auditions for the Christmas play. The story features many Australian animals - and is quite a hoot. I strongly recommend it for a young child.

Christmas...Christ-mass is a wonderful time to reflect on the reality of:

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

the 'child' which did come, and brought with him this further fulfilment, spoken by Jesus himself in a synagogue:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

For those interested in 'important details' that quote is from Isiaah 61 the FULL quote goes finishes like THIS!

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,

Notice how Jesus deliberately did NOT use the last line of the quote?
"Day of Vengence"
This is important in understanding the mission of Jesus which was to bring light and salvation to the world, not Judgement. (at that time)

SO...Christ-mass is a celebration of a new situation for the world, the partitioning of History, the transition from the Old Covenant of Law, to the New Covenant of Grace.

John 3:16 says it all "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son,....that whoever believes in Him will not perish (day of Vengence) but will have everlasting life. (The Lords Favor)

OUG cheer up bloke, never know if you are pulling our leg or not.
No credit here mate, that jar kept all year has about 1300 in it it will be empty but family full.
no over spending no gifts,that may surprise but I as eldest have not had a gift from age 12, too many others came first.
Now do not be sad, I put that in place,and my family's company is the greatest gift.
And just maybe I have been shamed into cooking a late pudding and few fruit cakes, watch the rum I am told.
My observers need to watch the port love to sneak a bottle or two in.
Brother does any other cooking and gee it is fun if we both start drinking too early, but tastes good.

AGIR:

I've been waiting for you to pop up in this thread. And Thanks for the quotes. However, I was hoping that you'd share your family's Christmas traditions with us. Perhaps next time?

Belly:

It sounds like you've been receiving the greatest gift of all, all these years. That of seeing the light and joy you've brought to a child's eye. As you said, it is all about family - and by the sound of it - yours are very lucky to have you. Happy cooking (and drinking)!

OMG Nairbe! You have 10 year old twins and 11 year old twins?
This would be such a busy time for you.
I take my hat off to you :)

I am not into the baby Jesus mindset, but am always happy to join in with the holiday spirit because it has always been a family get-together for our family.

The kids are on holiday from school, and it is summer!
What's not to like?

Suze:

It sounds like you're on the right path - what's not to like indeed!I remember how much I looked forward to the end of school break and family holidays. Very special time of the year - as you said, it's summer... we used to catch the ferry to Manly on Sundays and spend the day at the beach, or take in a movie matinee - Saturday afternoons, or visit friends and relatives. And at Christmas - the get together lunch was at our house. Memories are made of things like this.

yeah..me too belly
i was going to..stay away from this topic..this year
but when i heard of the qld deneyal of working types..any xmass extra pay...[let alone a bankers type bonus]..mate i just could help my self

im looking for the right spirit
but can only work with the ones my own thoughts attract
lets face it the grimps/grumps..ebony/scrouge macducks..love their succor of misery too..

its just for me if its not about jesus
then all them fake beards must be a clue

mate i got 40 xmass records/lps..everything from bonanza xmass
to ol bling cosby..even the moremackle quior...but the spirit...isnt there

its being with ya loved ones
giving mum a break...saying its salids this year mum
or prawn's on the beach..[leave after 2 pm...and all the sunbrunt ones have gone home...have a bbq..on the beach..all alone..[and no rush hour traffic]..this is time for mum...jesus...and the kids

then sitting back with a six pack...for two
lots of fruit juices...and stone fruit..watermelon too

dont buy chip at the beach..or salid bar
[the workers need a break too]

and while were at it..drive safely
the emergency worker.. need their break too

this is a time that spirit enjoys most
heaven..[even hell] stops..for this one
when its the family time..ALL THE FAMILY COMES THROUGH

the big putche
is of course next years...xmass

where WE all get it right...its about getting together
not finnishing the fight

anyhow just got to get past this one for now
invite that lonely person to join in..

or just do something more..than say swear-words

merry xmass..is an attack..if your not merry
we know now..what a ho is

ay?

so xmass is a time for thinking..*together
talking..sharing..

not for getting drunk..or revenge

remember ww1
they even called off..the war

thats what xmass...really is for

Suzie,
only the one set of twins they are 10, the 11 year old is on her own. All girls lot's of fun. Holidays is the best. Thanks for your wishes and hope your christmas is a blast.

OUG:

I hope that all your Christmas wishes come true and that you have a good one with your family.

Nairbe:

May your Christmas be everything that you could wish for with your lovely girls!

oh lexi you are a dear
im sorry for raising the issue at this time

i would start a new thread...
but im batting 3 out of 12 in that regard

see essentially jesus said see that ye saw me do
[well that begins in the few weeks before his birth...ie pre xmass]

im from europe..we get saint nick..5 dec
and swarte piet too...[there is a whiole lot of lessons there alone]

but lets recall...jesus was born at the time of the census*
ie the WHOLE FAMILY..was..[had to]..get to gether]

this is what ANY good xmass must consist of
preferably arround the matriarcal..elder

but everyone..MUST try to be there..EVERYONE
their names must be called..recalled...and fondly rememberd
[this importantly..for those who are what we call dead..we KNOW dead isnt dead...[jesus came back..to rebut that lie]

so its time we realised..that any gathering of the family..INCLUDES the dead attending...[as a normal matter of course]...and especially..if mentioned frequently and often

ie all the new family members FORMERLY introduced..to each of our beloved departed...who yet are present..right now

photos...films..of all the family are vieuwed..discussed...and communicated..between all living mortals attending..even spiritual photoes are taken...

xmass could be so much more
MUST be so much more...[we might only have one more practice..till 25/12/12]..when the matter falls out of our hands

that the pope remains ignorant...in teaching ..the FULL lessons and teaching..of OUR saviours birth..life and teachings..is a shame

but i will try to restrain myself
from voicing the issue further here

you are a dear...
i wish you and yours..all the best...in the next year

and just know the family photoes
would reveal a loving world..each of you EARNED...by being nice

love you dear..sweet/foxey..lexi

all my best
from

[johan..son of the deer]
holder of the horn of plenty

to whom too much was given
thus expecting to give more..than any one wants to know

Hi Lexi
well...our personal traditions are pretty simple.

We just have a small tree usually, and give gifts. We have a devotional time prior to opening presents where we recount the reasons for the gifts. Not only do they express or symbolize God's wonderful gift to mankind...the sharing also symbolizes the new relationship 'between' mankind "Peace on earth and good will to all men/people".
I do make the point from time to time that the tree is nothing to do with the real meaning of Christmas, but that we use it to add to the celebratory atmosphere. I guess it shows that 'traditions' are difficult to let go of once they are with us from childhood.

We don't mention 'Santa' at all. He has no place in our Christmas celebrations.

On Christmas day we have a yummy Christmas dinner.. party hats, bonbons and family togetherness.

Then...we blokes undo our belts and spread out while it all settles :)

Johan (OUG):

Thank You for your kind words and for explaining what Christmas means to you. It sound beautiful and very inspiring. I especially love the fact that you remember ones who are no longer with you - what a magnificent tradition that is. And I'm now beginning to re-think some of what I will do this year. I may adopt some of your traditions. I
wish you dear Johan, and your family all the Joy and Happiness that you can possibly bear - and a New Year filled with Good Health, Good Friends, and many Beautiful Days.

AGIR:

Thanks for coming back and sharing your family Christmas with us. I also wish you and your family Peace and Joy over Christmas and throughout the New Year.

To Everyone:

Take a look at the following website:

http://silver-mg.com/Xmas/Aussie_Christmas.htm

I thought it rather special and if you want Aussie Christmas Lyrics,
click on the bells on the right hand side. They're awesome!

ode to the belly
the visioning of the tree

the bible talks of trees two
that of the knowlwedge tree..the tree of good and evil
and the tree of life..[protected by angels with flaming [sacred]..[s]-words

science once talked about the evil=lootion tree
[now..it talks more..of an evolution-forrest][lol]..for linal decent is a delusion..[speculation..not science/conclusion]

but lets look..for the visioning...behind the tree..of xmass
recalling..how much despised..in lebinon..trees used to be

but recall the family-tree..*of our saviours decent

[yes that lengthy line..of begats..adam begat eve...[god begat adam]..all the way down to..*thee]..thus is the family_tree

perhaps those who would be more familiour..with custom ..can more clearly see..the symbolic visioning..inherant in the tree..[of your life]

recall the cusstom..in the...SHOW..of..'days of our lives
where baubles they did hang...of each new..into the family

[what did..past/season...*arrive]...so beua brady..got a bauble...and so too did hope..[i stopped watching about this time..but there were many more..in time]

but there is..the visioning...the linal decent
of your*own family..ie..at xmass time

visionings arnt often clear..but im being as clear as i dare be..in revealing this visioning..of the family xmass tree

clearly ..the hanging of the baubles...for buae..or for hope
should be followed by their children baubles...
as much..as the tree can cope

at the highest point..is the unseen god
the true root of your matriarchal accent

then the hanging of eve...[on top]..because it feels right
then decending downwards..the matriacrchal line...back to you

then on the lower branches..the new born..[the fruit from your loins]

anyhow think on it...im sure its closer to the truth

the tree would be living...and put into holy-ground..[each time a new birth arrives]..the custom of this land recalls the/birth tree

the cusstom..was..at a childs-birth..to bury the placenta
restore it into earth..then plant in it a tree...that is called your birth tree...

that gives us a sign..of your spiritual being..
even when spirit has moved on...

anyhow...we need to think more..on what jesus family line reveals
its a big part of xmass...but so too family trees...

and the taking of family cencus..
and togetherness..recalling..
and the joining of spirits...material and disincarnate

its all lumped together
well..thats all..mate

Johan (OUG):

The skill of writing is the skill of using words. Yours certainly widen the mind's eye and take the reader beyond the ordinary to a new and exciting experience. The experience for me is of a sensory kind in which I see new things. It's also an intellectual kind in which I think new things; and it's also an emotional kind in which I feel and understand new things. Thank You - long may you continue to enrich our lives on this forum.

My family's Christmas has always been a quiet one. Alas, this year, for the first time in my short life, I won't be travelling to see my family - instead, I'm expecting (and sadly not with much excitement) a rowdy affair with my other half's family.

Growing up, there were only four of us in Australia. No big Christmas spread, just a very simple picnic in a scenic park somewhere. Gifts are a very minor part - $100 each or thereabouts. As my brother got married, 4 became 5; when they had a daughter, we became 6. I used to feel a bit of resentment as my sister-in-law's family seemed to break our already compact Christmas unit apart, taking them away from us for a good part of the day. Then they invited us in and, after our family Christmas is over, we have a sort of extended family Christmas.

For me, the joys of Christmas are (in no particular order):
Midnight Mass
Decorating a small tree (no brash, tacky or meaningless baubles - just the special ones we have brought back from our various excursions around the country and the world)
Time with the family
Knowing that everything has been good for another year, and
Hoping that everything will be good for some time to come.

I have no idea what this Christmas will bring - I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be a little empty without my mum, dad and bro to celebrate with. Nobody else seems to 'get' our minimalist Christmas ways!

Otokonoko:

I can identify with your missing your family at Christmas. One year,
hubbie and I decided to spend Christmas on the Gold Coast as a treat for the kids. We left our parents and extended family behind. It just wasn't the same, and I missed the family so much that we decided to never again spend Christmas without our entire family taking part. We
now holiday after Christmas. Christmas with the family comes first. I
know it's hard when you have to split the family - but perhaps you could suggest that you all share Christmas - taking it in turns, or share in the cooking perhaps? (everyone bring a plate of something) so that the family wouldn't have to be split up? Anyway, I hope that you do make the most of this Beautiful Season, and that you do get to see your own family. All the Best for the New Year.

Hi there LEXI...

What a nice thread you've initiated. Though, I'm well over the buzz that Christmas used to bring when I was young, it's still nice to know that many herein celebrate Christmas in their own way.

From twenty three YOA on, most of my Christmases have been spent 'on duty'. Either a 0700 - 1500, or 1500 - 2300 and lastly the 'dog watch' 2300 - 0700.

Any shift performed on Christmas Day does seem to dislocate the traditional Dinner too (ours at least), and being a copper, you couldn't very well front up with grog on your breath either ?

Funny though, all the blokes on shift seemed to take on a more 'human face' on the day - I have no idea why, they just did ? Even though, I can hear many of our critics offering all sorts of uncharitable explanations, as to why ?

In later years, as a detective, Christmas Day could either be dead quiet, or you'd be run off your feet with enquiries. Nevertheless, I still found the Day as, I dunno, something special I suppose.

Again, a great thread LEXI, it really is.

o sung wu:

I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to work on Christmas Day. Thank You for reminding us of the people like policemen/and women, nurses, hospital staff, paramedics, ambulance officers and many others to whom we owe a tremendous debt for the services that you have provided and continue to provide to the rest of us, while we enjoy our Christmas with our families. Where would we be without you guys? Anyway, Thanks also for your kind words, and I'm so happy that you like the thread. Christmas is about sharing and giving - and you've done that by example, well and truly - you embody the Christmas Spirit. I wish you every Happiness throughout Christmas and the New Year as well! Thank You for contributing to this discussion, and adding an extra dimension to it! Take Care.

I'd like to Thank everyone who contributed to this thread and wish you all the Blessings of Peace and Happiness at Christmastime and Always!

"Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
Its summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts and thongs

Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Jingle all the way
Christmas in Australia
On a scorching summer's day
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Christmas time is beaut
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a rusty Holden Ute..."

MERRY CHRISTMAS

selective xmass poetry

Past..and Present
(Joseph Kallinger)

Christmas,..the time of year
that has the impact
of a childhood story

where the past meets the present
and the old not be forgot
and the dreams of the future
all rolled into..the presents
that we give our loved ones.

but the best present..is simply being present

Memories are a special house
We build inside ourselves
Where love and laughter linger,
Where all our past life dwells.

On holy-days like Christmas
We can draw upon the store,
Reliving happy times and loves sealed within our mind

And feeling all that warmth..once more.
gwet the strength together to face ...just one more

Wherever we may travel,
This house of loving memory..is always there
To help to blend..the old and new,

To build upon the sure foundations
set firmly in our past...
to now...grow...into flower and fruit
for those who gift with our presence...to care and share.

This house can never get too full,
Just grow from floor to floor,
Because the joy of memories
Is always making more.

Making Memories..in our atteding present

Christmas is a time of joy,[for every ggirl and boy
A time for brotherly-love and good-cheer,
A time for making memories,and recalling their best
To last us all..throughout the year

Christmas Candle
(Eva K. Logue)

A Christmas candle..is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,but think of the stories it doth bring

it radiates its light...reflecting on loving faces
But softly gives more of itself away;

While quite unselfishly,..
the smaller..it grows...
the more light/warmth and comfort it gives

Christmas Magic

Are we too grownup to feel a thrill
As we light the Christmas tree?
Are we immune to cookies,
Christmas cards and Christmas glee?

Are we too adult to "Ooh" and "Aah"
At the Christmas candle's glow?
Are we blasé about our gifts;
Do we shun the mistletoe?

Are we too mature for carols,
For merry or for jolly?
Do the decorations leave us cold,
The ornaments and holly?

Fat chance! We'll never grow too old
To love the Christmas magic.
A year without a Christmas
Would be boring, even tragic.

So bring it on! The candy canes,
The feasting and good cheer;
O Christmas, lovely Christmas,
You're the highlight of the year!

By Joanna Fuchs

My Christmas E-Mail
I have a list of people I know, all logged in my computer,
And now at Christmas time I have gone to take a look.

And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
Not of the computer they're stored in, but of my heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in that meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has changed my life, a lot more than you think!
For once I have met somebody, the years cannot erase,
The memory of a pleasant word (or E-mail) or of a friendly face.
So never think my Christmas E-mails are just a mere routine,
Of names upon an address list, forgotten in between.

For when I do a Christmas E-mail that is addressed to you,
It's because you're on the list of people I'm indebted to.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have been a part of shaping things I do.
And now that Christmas has come, I realize anew,
The best gift life can offer is meeting people like you.

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.

By Joanna Fuchs

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. ~W.J. Cameron

The best of all gifts..around any Christmas tree:

the presence of a happy family..
all wrapped up in each other.~Burton Hillis

One of the most glorious messes in the world..is the mess created in the living room..on Christmas day.

Don't clean it up too quickly.~Andy Rooney

Happy,..happy Christmas,..that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days;..that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth;..that can transport the sailor and the traveller,..*thousands of miles away,..back to his own fire-side..and his quiet home!
~Charles Dickens,..The Pickwick Papers,1836

There has been only one Christmas
the rest..are anniversaries.~W.J.Cameron

'Twas Christmas..broach'd the mightiest ale;
'Twas Christmas told..the merriest tale;
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
The poor man's heart..through half the year.
~Walter Scott

Christmas is a necessity.
There has to be at least one day of the year
to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid

Our hearts grow tender..with childhood memories
and love of kindred,and kin..and we are better throughout the year for having,..in spirit,..become a child again..at Christmas-time...where we let others in ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

May Peace be your gift at Christmas
and your blessing all year through!~Author Unknown

I will honor Christmas..in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year.~Charles Dickens

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.
In the eyes of children,..they are all 30 feet tall.~Larry Wilde,..The Merry Book of Christmas

Christmas is the season..for kindling the fire of hospitality
in the hall's ogf the mind...and ,..the genial flame of charity..in the heart.~Washington Irving

Gifts of time..[presence],..and love
are surely the basic ingredients..of a truly merry Christmas.~Peg Bracken

Isn't it funny..that at Christmas something in you
gets so lonely for..-I don't know what exactly,..but it's
something that you don't mind..so much..not having..at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

At Christmas,
all roads lead home.~Marjorie Holmes

Instead of being a time..of unusual behavior,
Christmas is perhaps..the only time..in the year
when people can obey their natural impulses..and express
their true sentiments..without feeling self-conscious..and,..perhaps, foolish

Christmas,..in short,..is about
the only chance..a man has to be himself.~Francis C. Farley

It is Christmas..in the heart
that puts Christmas..in the air.~W.T.Ellis

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976


When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton

Christmas is the day that holds all time together. ~Alexander Smith

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller

From a commercial point of view, if Christmas did not exist it would be necessary to invent it. ~Katharine Whitehorn

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank.

People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' ~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"

Remember
This December,
That love..weighs more than gold!

~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day...We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness..and humanity of the whole year.

As for me,..I like to take my Christmas
a little at a time,..all through the year.

And thus I drift along into the holidays -let them overtake me unexpectedly -waking up some find morning..and suddenly saying to myself: "Why,..this is Christmas Day!" ~David Grayson

A Christmas candle..is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise..at all,
But softly gives itself..away.
for the joy of all
~Eva/Logue

Christmas..is not as much about opening..our presents
as opening..our hearts.~Janice Maeditere

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration
is just-being..*we..,wreathed..in smiles.~Author Unknown

Oh look,..yet another Christmas TV special!
How touching to have..the meaning of Christmas
brought to us by cola,..fast food,and beer....

Who'd have ever guessed..that product consumption,..popular entertainment,..and spirituality would mix..so harmoniously?..~Bill Watterson,Calvin & Hobbes

Only in souls..the Christ is brought..to birth,
And there..He lives and thrives...even for us..left on earth.
~Alfred Noyes

For the spirit..of Christmas
fulfils the greatest hunger..of mankind.~Loring A. Schuler

This is the message of Christmas:
We are never alone.~Taylor Caldwell

Oh,..for the good old days..when people would stop
Christmas shopping..when they ran out of money.~Author Unknown

I can understand people simply fleeing..the mountainous effort Christmas has become...but there are always..a few saving graces and finally..they make up for all the bother..and distress.[with a smile]..~May Sarton

It is..the Christmas time:
And up and down..'twixt heaven..and on earth,
In glorious grief..and solemn mirth,..togetherness
The shining angels climb-down..
to all us remaining here..on earth..
~Dinah Maria/Mulock

Fail not..to call to mind,..in the course of
the twenty-fifth of this month,..that the Divinest Heart..that ever walked the earth..was born on that day;..

and then smile and enjoy yourselves
for the rest of it;..for mirth is also of Heaven's making.~Leigh Hunt

The perfect Christmas tree?
All Christmas..trees are perfect!~Charles N. Barnard

Great little One!..whose all-embracing birth
Lifts Earth..upto Heaven,..stoops Heaven back-to Earth.
~Richard Crashaw

I do like Christmas..on the whole....
In its clumsy way,..it does approach Peace..and Goodwill...
But it is clumsier..every year.~E.M. Forster

At Christmas
A man is at his finest..towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be..when the Christmas season's here;

Then he's thinking more of others..than he's thought the months before,..And the laughter of his children..is a joy worth toiling for.

He is less a selfish creature..than at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him..he comes closest..to the sublime...free of time..
~Edgar Guest

one under god,
Do you live in NSW?

She’s small and alone overwhelmed with her fear
They’ve moved her again and she doesn’t know where
She had a blanky she loved but she can’t see it around
It’s still out in the car and will never be found

She’s too scared to say blanky with all strangers near
The people that knew about blanky aren’t there
There is a big green tree in the corner all shimmering light
It distracts her a moment then she returns to her fright

The grownups are still speaking of how lucky she is
Speaking of presents and the joys of Christmas
Of how kind they were to take her in at this time of year
The wonderful season with all the holiday cheer

She’s small and alone and the tears begin fall
Caseworker is leaving she’ll give them a call
I’m your new mum and this is your new dad
We’re very nice people so you shouldn’t be sad

They are now talking of presents and why she isn’t smiling
Perhaps she’s tired or hungry they want her to stop crying
Again she hears of Christmas over and over again
This word finds a place where it stays through the pain

Through transfers and more parents for years to come
More people proclaiming to be her new dad and mum
For many more years when Christmas comes with its cheer
She stays small and alone and overwhelmed with her fear

Johan (OUG):

Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your Christmas poems and for spreading Christmas Cheer!

Jewely:

Thank You for reminding us there's another side to Christmas that people may sometimes forget. We always donate to the Salvos, Vinnies, and Smith Family, as well as visiting friends in Nursing Homes. It's also sad if you're old and frail, and alone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you both!

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nsw/child-agencys-background-checks-under-cloud-20101213-18vi0.html
''There's a financial incentive to keep the child with the carer even if the carer is not up to the plate,'' a former manager said.
“The contractors, known by the term Supporter of Carers, or SOC, can earn up to $300,000 a year...”

I’d suggest the best Christmas gift you can give children in care is to stop donating to “not-for-profits” and start demanding government gets them as far away from our nations babies as possible.

Merry Christmas Lexi.

ode to xmass joy
its a boy*

here is
the birth notice
http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=4184#105279

im planting my xmass tree..[planted it..*last night]
it shall stay erect..till the day of exodus
when emmanuel..[god with us...dies]

a new cusstom is born

the only worry..*is to lop off the top
circumsise the tree
or not

mother and child are well

for details
and rsvp

read link post
and previous post

any advice..and clarification..shall be much appriciated

hallalueuuu-ja
the christ is born
now he can be installed into his mangy cribb

having trouble finding appropriate cards
for the highlights of the christ childs..next 3 months

the tree shall symbolise his life
and inevitable..'death'..at the time of exodus
[somewhere near easter]

when the tree shall be torn
yet its spirit live on..in our hearts

unsure if the tree
should be raised..from the dead

on the third day?

rip
there is finally christs joy in me

xmass'day'..isnt the end
its the beginning

happy newyear...deer

Jewely:

Thank You for your good advice and Wishing You and Yours Every Possible Happiness During This Festive Season And Throughout The New Year As Well!

Johan (OUG):

Thank You for your inspiring posts and Wishing You and Yours,
Everything That's Beautiful in Life and A Great New Year! Merry Christmas!

thanks lexi
your one foxey lady

thanks for your positive posts during the last year
and i hope plenty more next year

anyhow good times to all
and to all a great night

except for the cricketing faternity
who dont seem to care about family time

Johan (OUG):

Did you happen to watch Joanna Lumley's program on the ABC at 6.00pm last night (Dec. 26th), "In The Land Of The Northern Lights."?
The English actress pursued a lifelong dream of tracking down the elusive and beautiful Northern Lights. As I watched the truly amazing spectacle of the Northern Lights - I couldn't help thinking - "I hope Johan is watching this." I know you would have been deeply moved and uplifted by the beauty of it all.

its funny you should say so lexi

i was reading about them..
in a readers digest short story book
titled ice..[and agree they are spectacular]

i have turned off tv
[there simply isnt anything..that catches my eye]
but would have watched..if i had known..

i recalkl seeing visioning of it once..from outerspace
taken from where i dont recall...its a special thing for sure

there is a few occasions reportedly..that we have seen the southern lights in aussie..on the mainlanmd..

but never will be seen..here in qld

still images dont do it justice apparently
but the search reveals some great ones

http://www.google.com/search?client=gmail&rls=gm&q=you%20tube%20northen%20lights

Johan (OUG):

Thanks for the link. It simply re-affirms how small we humans really are and how vast and great and beautiful is the universe around us.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every nation and every people and every colour and every religion find at last the one hearbeat we share?

peace will come
in our times

if we cant see war has no solutions
then were not trying hard enough

obama was a big disappointment
but the war mongers run..their banking system
financing both sides of every war..but one day..the banks loose control of the globes purse strings

and that day..is not far off
all we need is for people to not use banks
dont take..what they are giving..[credit]...we can starve the banks

spend only witrh the 'little guy'
spending at big business..it all goes back to the banks
the longest route...back to the bank..the better for everyone in the chain

but people love their credit cards
spending..their credit..gives big business more credit
but the intrwest...[on the credit]..can only come..when someone/else..default's..paying theirs

but lets focus on better times
the good things..family friends peace not pieces

cheers
from me

2u
all
..

Johan:

Let's focus on family, friends, peace in our times. I couldn't agree more. The average person can expect to give up three to four years of his or her life working to foot the arms bill, while ever more people suffer from illiteracy, ill health, and chronic hunger. We need new ways of thinking to cope with the nuclear age. It is here that writers, with their concern for the human condition and their special skills with language, can enable us to imagine the horrific reality of nuclear arms and nerve us to build an alternative future.

there are those...who have the ears of govt
who see war as the only way to fix things..others disagree

see govt can spend its war into creating an economy
creating work/jobs...creating cashflow

the trouble with all this being

govt needs ever more taxes..to repay the intrest on the money..
to repay the govt-bonds..that created the money

ie bankers win

extracted from
http://www.thefreemanonline.org/departments/it-just-aint-so/war-would-end-the-recession/

Sending soldiers off to war..is a waste of human and material resources,..and is almost by definition wealth-destroying,

no matter what it does..to GDP..or unemployment rates

Wealth increases..when people are able to engage
in exchanges they believe will be mutually beneficial.

The production of new goods..that consumers wish to purchase
is the beginning..of this process..

When instead we borrow..from future generations
to spend on goods and services connected..not to the desires of consumers,..but rather to the desire of the politically powerful

to rain death..and destruction on other parts of the world,..we are not allowing individuals..the freedom to do the things they think will..make themselves better off.

And we are certainly not extending that freedom..to those killed in the name of our economy-enhancing war.

At a very basic level,..the idea..that any kind of spending is desirable..overlooks the fact that spending on war..(and, I would argue,public works as well)..actively prevents people from enhancing their wealth..through production and exchange..linked to consumer demand.

Employing people to dig holes
and fill them up again,

or to build bombs..that will blow up Iraqis,
will certainly reduce unemployment..and increase GDP,

but it won’t increase wealth.

The problem of economics is the problem
of coordinating producers and consumers.

This coordination happens when we produce
what consumers want using the least valuable resources possible.

That is why it is wealth-enhancing..to dig a canal using earth-movers with a few drivers..rather than millions of people using spoons,..even though the latter would generate more jobs.

http://www.infowars.com/qe2-explained/
http://www.infowars.com/category/economic-crisis/
http://www.infowars.com/monetary-revolution-begins-with-competing-currencies/

the last 'stimulous..spending
[ie shoval ready projects..

gave us those great airport body scanning goons
we now see in airports...

we feel safe...but the threat/fear..loss of rights...
has its cost in money...extra taxes..jobs but at what cost