While the Christmas Season can be a wonderful time of year--it's also a difficult time for many--and as we get older---it's always a "double-edged sword"----we miss people who are no longer with us here---or who have moved away ---our bad decisions and failures become amplified this time of year---and much of what we read and watch suggests that this time of year should be nothing but joy and fun!
This time of year can be "heavy"---so I have found some ways to focus on the joy of the season. Advent provides just that focus, a way to concentrate on the religious and spiritual elements of Christmas----which is truly what's important! Prayer --Reading positive religious stories--Religious Christmas music---those comprise my focus --particularly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Over the past 30 years or so--much as I LOVE the lights, the decorations, the music, and the television specials --Thanksgiving week would include a 50 pound weight being placed around my neck---the weight of failures and regrets and sadness in missing those important people in my life who have gone home to God.
Celebrating Advent has become a wonderful way to focus on what's important --and allows me to find joy in Christmas on many levels.
This takes nothing away from my truly celebrating Christmas throughout the year! I see Christmas as the prelude to Easter --and the two connect so closely of course. While December is a natural time to celebrate --I truly enjoy lights throughout the year--reading stories and history of Christmas throughout the year--I leave my nativity up throughout the year--and I watch holiday programs throughout the year--listen to ( primarily religious ) " Christmas songs throughout the year--and find joy in Christmas all year....for those of us who find the "weight" of Christmas expectations so heavy---the rest of the year can be so much fun!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Why More People Look to an Early Christmas Season
Christmas is being celebrated throughout the year by more of us! The Holiday Shopping and Celebrating "Season" also seems to come earlier every year. While some object to these developments, I would argue the reasons, and the positives, of "keeping Christmas" throughout the year.
Many of us find a focus on Christmas--the spiritual / religious dimension as well as the "feel good--positive messages" focus--an important way to build our faith relationships, a great relief from the obstacles in daily life, and a strategy for reminding ourselves of the people we want to become.
We also find holiday themed movies and shows, books, and songs a great escape from the pressures of the world we live in. For an overwhelming number of people ( this blogger included ) --the "economic recovery" is something we read about, but don't personally experience. Financial pressures have mounted for millions of us, and the simple pleasures bring relief from those pressures, if only for a hour or two.
It's interesting to me that this trend toward "holding onto" Christmas seems to have increased in the past decade, as many of us "baby boomers" are reaching our 60's and beyond. Perhaps you feel as I do--that the world has changed so much, and not in a good way, over the course of my lifetime, and many of the holiday / Christmas shows and books bring us back to what seems to be a better and simpler time. Aging also brings with it physical issues and deterioration, an increased experience of pain, of being unable to do the things we used to do. and anything positive in terms of fun brings with those experiences some measure of pain relief.
If only the "messages" of Christmas could become the essence of how we all live year round! In the meantime, a growing number of us share Christmas with each other--and what a wonderful blessing that is!
Many of us find a focus on Christmas--the spiritual / religious dimension as well as the "feel good--positive messages" focus--an important way to build our faith relationships, a great relief from the obstacles in daily life, and a strategy for reminding ourselves of the people we want to become.
We also find holiday themed movies and shows, books, and songs a great escape from the pressures of the world we live in. For an overwhelming number of people ( this blogger included ) --the "economic recovery" is something we read about, but don't personally experience. Financial pressures have mounted for millions of us, and the simple pleasures bring relief from those pressures, if only for a hour or two.
It's interesting to me that this trend toward "holding onto" Christmas seems to have increased in the past decade, as many of us "baby boomers" are reaching our 60's and beyond. Perhaps you feel as I do--that the world has changed so much, and not in a good way, over the course of my lifetime, and many of the holiday / Christmas shows and books bring us back to what seems to be a better and simpler time. Aging also brings with it physical issues and deterioration, an increased experience of pain, of being unable to do the things we used to do. and anything positive in terms of fun brings with those experiences some measure of pain relief.
If only the "messages" of Christmas could become the essence of how we all live year round! In the meantime, a growing number of us share Christmas with each other--and what a wonderful blessing that is!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Christmas Decorations and In-Store Displays
Every year it seems that retailers decorate for Christmas and the Holiday Season a little earlier--which leads to some folks complaining about "pushing" Christmas / the Holidays. For the most part of course, this is "driven" by the "sales" --not so much by a "spiritual" or "feel good" focus.
I LOVE the white lights, the colored lights, the greens, the nutcracker soldiers, everything that is included in a Christmas / Holiday display! From white lights ( my preference ) inside that warm the house year round to lights and light displays outside a home or business--all add warmth and cheer and shout "Welcome" to anyone passing by!
In advising retailers or downtown associations, I recommend white lights all or most of the year --outside especially --but even inside! If your preference is lights of various colors, I'm suggesting they go up the first week or two of November and stay lit through January! Greens and wreaths should be displayed all winter. We want people ( in our homes ) and potential customers feel attracted to coming to our businesses and, hopefully, spending money! The correct lights and greens create an atmosphere that makes people want to spend time at your business!
Indoor Holiday / Christmas lights and decorations---beyond white lights --should be up from early November through January. These displays tend to be "Christmas-y"--and not everyone appreciates those decorations --or celebrate Christmas of course---but that time frame is appropriate with what the bulk of your customers find attractive. At least, that's what I suggest to clients.
As far as the other "complaint" that you hear now and then, selling "Christmas or Holiday" themed items or decorations like wrapping paper, cards, decorations, etc...my advice for retail clients has always been--if your customers choose to purchase items like that anytime of the year--you need to provide those items!
Christmas, as many of you reading this blog right now--hearkens happier emotions than we deal with most days ---at best a sense of spirituality mixed with mystery --at least a sense of pleasant escape from life's concerns and challenges. If lights, decorations, and merchandise to purchase provide that--then why not extend those feelings of welcome and joy!
I LOVE the white lights, the colored lights, the greens, the nutcracker soldiers, everything that is included in a Christmas / Holiday display! From white lights ( my preference ) inside that warm the house year round to lights and light displays outside a home or business--all add warmth and cheer and shout "Welcome" to anyone passing by!
In advising retailers or downtown associations, I recommend white lights all or most of the year --outside especially --but even inside! If your preference is lights of various colors, I'm suggesting they go up the first week or two of November and stay lit through January! Greens and wreaths should be displayed all winter. We want people ( in our homes ) and potential customers feel attracted to coming to our businesses and, hopefully, spending money! The correct lights and greens create an atmosphere that makes people want to spend time at your business!
Indoor Holiday / Christmas lights and decorations---beyond white lights --should be up from early November through January. These displays tend to be "Christmas-y"--and not everyone appreciates those decorations --or celebrate Christmas of course---but that time frame is appropriate with what the bulk of your customers find attractive. At least, that's what I suggest to clients.
As far as the other "complaint" that you hear now and then, selling "Christmas or Holiday" themed items or decorations like wrapping paper, cards, decorations, etc...my advice for retail clients has always been--if your customers choose to purchase items like that anytime of the year--you need to provide those items!
Christmas, as many of you reading this blog right now--hearkens happier emotions than we deal with most days ---at best a sense of spirituality mixed with mystery --at least a sense of pleasant escape from life's concerns and challenges. If lights, decorations, and merchandise to purchase provide that--then why not extend those feelings of welcome and joy!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Another wonderful Christmas Movie --Matchmaker Santa
Re-Watched another one of my favorite movies --not just Christmas movies--but movies the other night...Matchmaker Santa--starring Lacey Chabert, Adam Mayfield, Florence Henderson, John Ratzenberger, and a number of other outstanding actors. Like "Secret Santa"--another one of my favorite movies --the flow of the show has few "downs"---you are not "gripped" emotionally ---not dipping into sadness then rising into gladness. The movie is a nicely written and acted "feel good" kind of movie--the cast clearly had fun filming it---and it's a great movie when you are having a difficult day and simply want to escape all reality!
Both "Secret Santa" and "Matchmaker Santa" get 5 Stars --top rating for relaxing holiday movies!
Both "Secret Santa" and "Matchmaker Santa" get 5 Stars --top rating for relaxing holiday movies!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Christmas Movie: Secret Santa--one of my favorites
One of my favorite Christmas movies--which is really much more of a fun, "feel good" movie with some great messages about deciding what's important in life, how to treat other people, and becoming the best you can be---is the movie "Secret Santa" --with Jennie Garth and a terrific cast.
I watch Secret Santa about once per month --throughout the year. If I need a lift, or simply want to watch a movie where you don't need to think too hard--but are going to laugh and feel good about life for a while--this is a fabulous movie.
A few quotes --and thoughts-from the movie stick in my mind:
"A man is only as tall as the sum of his deeds."
From the book "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry ---"the most important gifts are from the heart."
"Giving is it's own reward."
"The worthiness of a person's life is not measured by the size of your bank account--but by the size of your heart." ( I changed that quote a tad to be gender neutral --but you get the idea ).
"Giving in it's purest form expects nothing in return."
As you can deduce from the quotes--this is not a movie with a lot of "angst" in it. There's really no depth of sadness to work through--no major conflict to resolve. Just a really pleasant movie that will leave you smiling and feeling good.
I watch Secret Santa about once per month --throughout the year. If I need a lift, or simply want to watch a movie where you don't need to think too hard--but are going to laugh and feel good about life for a while--this is a fabulous movie.
A few quotes --and thoughts-from the movie stick in my mind:
"A man is only as tall as the sum of his deeds."
From the book "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry ---"the most important gifts are from the heart."
"Giving is it's own reward."
"The worthiness of a person's life is not measured by the size of your bank account--but by the size of your heart." ( I changed that quote a tad to be gender neutral --but you get the idea ).
"Giving in it's purest form expects nothing in return."
As you can deduce from the quotes--this is not a movie with a lot of "angst" in it. There's really no depth of sadness to work through--no major conflict to resolve. Just a really pleasant movie that will leave you smiling and feeling good.
Monday, July 14, 2014
One of the reasons we're drawn to holiday movies throughout the year
I've gotten laughed at just a bit the past week or so for watching the Hallmark Channels' presentations of holiday movies...thank you Hallmark by the way! While I own dvd's of a number of them--there were others that I don't have --and some new movies--or at least new to me!
Don't you think that a couple of reasons many of us enjoy these movies include the generally "upbeat"--non-violent--no cussing and swearing --not too face paced --attributes to the programs?
And...I believe that in many cases --the communities that the programs are "located in"--are places we wish existed --at least as they are depicted--and we could live in? In particular--3 of my favorites --Hamden, Indiana in my all time favorite ( and one of my all time favorite movies period ) --Secret Santa ...would be THE place --along with Mayberry of course --that I'd love to find and more to today!
Buford Falls --the "location" in another one of my all time favorites--Matchmaker Santa--is another community that is precisely as I'd want to live in. Sames goes for Summerville / Mistletoe in another favorite--Goodbye Mr Kringle....
It's kind of the same appeal as Mayberry ---a place where the pace is slower and the people over-all friendlier....kinder .....making watching them a way to dream ....
Don't you think that a couple of reasons many of us enjoy these movies include the generally "upbeat"--non-violent--no cussing and swearing --not too face paced --attributes to the programs?
And...I believe that in many cases --the communities that the programs are "located in"--are places we wish existed --at least as they are depicted--and we could live in? In particular--3 of my favorites --Hamden, Indiana in my all time favorite ( and one of my all time favorite movies period ) --Secret Santa ...would be THE place --along with Mayberry of course --that I'd love to find and more to today!
Buford Falls --the "location" in another one of my all time favorites--Matchmaker Santa--is another community that is precisely as I'd want to live in. Sames goes for Summerville / Mistletoe in another favorite--Goodbye Mr Kringle....
It's kind of the same appeal as Mayberry ---a place where the pace is slower and the people over-all friendlier....kinder .....making watching them a way to dream ....
Monday, June 2, 2014
Sometimes profound thoughts in the most unexpected places
"Evil is not just what you do--but what you don't do." --An American Christmas Carol.
Sometimes we find profound "nuggets"--or ideas presented in such a pleasant way as to almost be subliminal ....and I found this one last week in re-watching the movie......how very true....
Sometimes we find profound "nuggets"--or ideas presented in such a pleasant way as to almost be subliminal ....and I found this one last week in re-watching the movie......how very true....
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
An American Christmas Carol
Many of us enjoy Christmas movies and television specials throughout the year. One of my favorites is: An American Christmas Carol--starring Henry Winkler and a stellar cast. The movie is an updated version of the Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol, taking place in 1933, during The Great Depression--in Concord, New Hampshire.
Winkler's character is the Scrooge of this production, a miserly old Benedict Slade--who is repossessing prized items from people all over town --just prior to Christmas---an action that is totally consistent with how he's lived his life.
An American Christmas Carol is a wonderful adaptation of this familiar story--tugging at the heart strings and complete with terrific performances. In particular--Winkler is wonderful! I heartily recommend you check this out!
Winkler's character is the Scrooge of this production, a miserly old Benedict Slade--who is repossessing prized items from people all over town --just prior to Christmas---an action that is totally consistent with how he's lived his life.
An American Christmas Carol is a wonderful adaptation of this familiar story--tugging at the heart strings and complete with terrific performances. In particular--Winkler is wonderful! I heartily recommend you check this out!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Why exclude poor from nativity sets?
I went out on my own in life when I was 16 hears old....and in the one room apartment I had, during the Christmas season, I made a nativity set out of a cardboard box --and purchased the figures --made from plastic, but well enough made that I still use them --and they look nice.
While I've been blessed with the nativity "barn" and some of the figurines that my grandfather made --at least 60 years ago--those plastic figures now dominate the display.
I've looked over the past decade for low price nativity sets and specifically additional figures--as I'd like to add to my livestock and shepherds--but no one seems to carry them anymore.
Oh, you can pay a lot of money for "grand" nativity sets....and can, for something that at least approached reasonable, purchase little nativity sets....but why no figures? Guessing the profit margins are limited, but there used to be some margin of profit for the retailers who carried these items, and what a wonderful service to families and individuals without the financial means to purchase other options, or children who wish to set up their own nativity up in their rooms.
Does anyone know where these kinds of items might be found? What retailers / online retailers might carry them?
While I've been blessed with the nativity "barn" and some of the figurines that my grandfather made --at least 60 years ago--those plastic figures now dominate the display.
I've looked over the past decade for low price nativity sets and specifically additional figures--as I'd like to add to my livestock and shepherds--but no one seems to carry them anymore.
Oh, you can pay a lot of money for "grand" nativity sets....and can, for something that at least approached reasonable, purchase little nativity sets....but why no figures? Guessing the profit margins are limited, but there used to be some margin of profit for the retailers who carried these items, and what a wonderful service to families and individuals without the financial means to purchase other options, or children who wish to set up their own nativity up in their rooms.
Does anyone know where these kinds of items might be found? What retailers / online retailers might carry them?
Christmas / Holiday Lights Still Up?
Have been reading --and participating in some --discussion--particularly on Facebook --about people and businesses who leave Christmas decorations / holiday lights up well into January.
As I suggested in another one of my blogs: www.NewEnglandNewsNotes.com --I think businesses miss a great marketing opportunity by putting up decorations a bit ( sometimes, more than a bit ) too early..and whisking them away so quickly after Christmas. Minus the Santas, Wooden Soldiers, and other "Christmas specific" kinds of decorations--lights and green simply attract customers and prospective customers---emit warmth and welcome. Why not leave them up at least through the ( at least in New England ) harsh, cold month of January?
In our home, white lights light up a tree in the front window 24-7 --all year round--and we receive many nice comments. ( I imagine some not so nice comments behind our backs also--but we don't care! ) The nativity also stays lit every night inn our bedroom....a wonderful "night light" and calming focus during the many nights when I have trouble sleeping.
This year, I noticed fewer light displays to begin with --and of those--fewer stayed lit --even to New Year Day. That simply makes this time of year more depressing to me---but everyone has to make their own choices.....
How about you? When do you put your lights and decorations up? When do you take them down?
As I suggested in another one of my blogs: www.NewEnglandNewsNotes.com --I think businesses miss a great marketing opportunity by putting up decorations a bit ( sometimes, more than a bit ) too early..and whisking them away so quickly after Christmas. Minus the Santas, Wooden Soldiers, and other "Christmas specific" kinds of decorations--lights and green simply attract customers and prospective customers---emit warmth and welcome. Why not leave them up at least through the ( at least in New England ) harsh, cold month of January?
In our home, white lights light up a tree in the front window 24-7 --all year round--and we receive many nice comments. ( I imagine some not so nice comments behind our backs also--but we don't care! ) The nativity also stays lit every night inn our bedroom....a wonderful "night light" and calming focus during the many nights when I have trouble sleeping.
This year, I noticed fewer light displays to begin with --and of those--fewer stayed lit --even to New Year Day. That simply makes this time of year more depressing to me---but everyone has to make their own choices.....
How about you? When do you put your lights and decorations up? When do you take them down?
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Blessed Christmas to Denominations That Celebrate This Week
Here's wishing a Blessed Christmas to denominations that celebrate Christmas this week!!
Different faiths and denominations utilize different calenders, particularly when it comes to religious celebrations, and some denominations' celebrations tend to get a little over-looked....
May God Bless you as you celebrate this week....
Different faiths and denominations utilize different calenders, particularly when it comes to religious celebrations, and some denominations' celebrations tend to get a little over-looked....
May God Bless you as you celebrate this week....
Listening to Christmas Music Throughout The Year
Yes, I confess...I listen to Christmas music throughout the year....not everyday...but regularly....
I listen to primarily "religious" Christmas music---even during the "Christmas Season"---not so much of the "beginning to look a lot like Christmas" selections as the "Joy to the World" .....
Among my favorite tapes ( yes--still have some tapes )--and cds --The Mormon Tabernacle Choir --Vienna Boys Choir--Katherine Jenkins--Julie Andrews --Celtic Woman--Perry Como--just some of the cds I enjoy throughout the year....some were produced decades ago--some very new.....
What are your favorite albums/cds/tapes?
I listen to primarily "religious" Christmas music---even during the "Christmas Season"---not so much of the "beginning to look a lot like Christmas" selections as the "Joy to the World" .....
Among my favorite tapes ( yes--still have some tapes )--and cds --The Mormon Tabernacle Choir --Vienna Boys Choir--Katherine Jenkins--Julie Andrews --Celtic Woman--Perry Como--just some of the cds I enjoy throughout the year....some were produced decades ago--some very new.....
What are your favorite albums/cds/tapes?
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Thank you to Hallmark and other channels
Thank you to the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movie Channel, ABC Family Channel, and all the other networks that ran so many Christmas television specials and movies this year.
I especially appreciated the 24 hour per day - 7 days a week programming schedule from Hallmark and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Many of us have "odd" schedules---work nights--have trouble sleeping--or just enjoy watching the same movies several times--and the schedule on those two channels provided many terrific opportunities to enjoy pleasant, fun, holiday fare.
There are always specials and movies that aren't included in any network's schedule--or only run once or twice....Secret Santa ( with Jennie Garth ) --The Man Who Saved Christmas---those are two of the programs that weren't presented ( at least--I could not find them )---but it's difficult to run them all!
Thank you to all the networks!!
I especially appreciated the 24 hour per day - 7 days a week programming schedule from Hallmark and the Hallmark Movie Channel. Many of us have "odd" schedules---work nights--have trouble sleeping--or just enjoy watching the same movies several times--and the schedule on those two channels provided many terrific opportunities to enjoy pleasant, fun, holiday fare.
There are always specials and movies that aren't included in any network's schedule--or only run once or twice....Secret Santa ( with Jennie Garth ) --The Man Who Saved Christmas---those are two of the programs that weren't presented ( at least--I could not find them )---but it's difficult to run them all!
Thank you to all the networks!!
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