Christmas was always a favorite time of year for me at our house in rural Alberta in the 50’s and 60’s. My Mom always puts a lot of effort into making Christmas special. It wasn’t just the sweet smells coming from the oven, it wasn’t just the carefully wrapped packages under the tree, it wasn’t just the decorations, it wasn’t just the Christmas cards that came in the mail and Mom would hang them all up in our living room. It wasn’t just the steady stream of neighbors that came to visit and play games during the Christmas season, (because neighbors visited back then), it wasn’t just the excited giggles as we took turns looking at the Christmas catalog, but it was all of that plus the singing of age-old Christmas carols. Mom would play her accordion when she took a break from daily tasks, and my siblings and I would migrate to where she was and join her in singing those beautiful songs. Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, Silent Night and many more. 5 boys and 5 girls made it sound like a choir with all those voices and sometimes the neighbor’s kids would join in if they were there! Singing carols is how I learned the Christmas story of Jesus birth. We didn’t go to church, but those songs tell the entire story how a Savior came to our world to seek and save those who are lost that we might be reconciled with God! They are steeped in scripture. How wonderful to sing the Word of God over our family.
As we grew up, some of us learned to play an instrument and we would join in the wonderful musical interlude! My Dad couldn’t play nor did he sing, but he enjoyed listening.
Several years ago, we started holding our family Christmas party at our local community hall because as adults, we have grown to a large number. Like my Mom, I play the accordion and I enjoy playing a few of our favorite Christmas Carols at our party. It’s fun to keep the tradition going so our next generations can learn them like we did. Now I attend a local church and we sing those age-old Christmas carols all December long. Christmas will always be a favorite time of year for me!
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