One thing I decided to do this Christmas, to begin my un-commercialization of the holiday, was to keep the magi away from the nativity until after Christmas. Unlike a local faith-based hospital, I decided to add the baby Jesus on Christmas morning and have the wise men BEGIN their trek on Christmas Day. Their arrival is, after all, why we have Epiphany on the twelfth day of Christmas!
Aside: I occasionally watch The Today Show and caught it as well as Kathie Lee & Hoda on Christmas Eve. I wholeheartedly agree with Kathie Lee's tradition of limiting the number of gifts to three - that's what Jesus got, why should we get any more? Big duh-huh moment for me and a tradition to begin next year!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we had a pared-down but exceptional Christmas! Family & friends for brunch (even better when those categories overlap); a little down time; then gear up for the afternoon Christmas feast with even more family.
During the down time, it felt good, just to BE. And then, I noticed that Jesus was absent still from the nativity on top of the piano. It felt even more right that I not make a big hoopla about adding him. He now sits up there, with the other pieces of the set, awaiting the kings.
"How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may his His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in" http://www.carols.org.uk/o_little_town_of_bethlehem.htm
A blessed and Merry Christmas to you!
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