Hello from my upstairs office at the Mini-acre,
This past week has been a quick transition from fall semester to winter term. Over a couple of days, I was simultaneously completing the calculation and submission of fall grades and jumping headlong into the winter term while working with students to get them up and running in my asynchronous, online Technical Writing class. It is not only a blink of an eye for me, but for students also as finals had completed just the Friday before. They are exhausted from the fall, and they have chosen to cram fifteen weeks into 23 days of class. That is a tall order for anyone, and it takes some careful reconsideration on my part. I need to make sure there is a substantive amount of material that I have still covered the learning objectives of the course, but I still need to make sure it is achievable in the allotted time. Fortunately, this is the seventh or eighth time I have taught this particular class, so I believe I am more effective and much more reasonable in my expectations. The first two times I did it from Poland, so along with the compact time period, there as a time difference, so meeting with students was a different challenge. Often I was working at 1:00-3:00 in the morning Polish time. It was actually a good learning experience.
Those of you who know me are well aware of my profound appreciation for the Advent and Christmas seasons of the liturgical year. This affinity began when I was small and, perhaps, even when I was still living with my grandparents. However, it was certainly there in elementary school because Christmas was my grandmother’s holiday (she claimed it as such). Between the long hours at her bakery, preparing all the holiday baked goods from her Scandinavian background, her home, with its three acres of land turned into a fairytale world of decorations and an atmosphere where love permeated every corner. Walking into her home, the very place I spent my pre-school years, on Christmas morning was the epitome of the seasonal carol, “to Grandmother’s house we go.” I felt safe and loved once again. Kris, my sister, and I would have our belongings for the next week as we resided back in our first home of memory for the remainder of our Christmas break. That feeling of magic is what I work to create every year in my own home.
Last night, I invited a couple, who have become treasured friends over the last few years. This is our second Christmas gathering, though we do get together at other times. It was interesting to hear her recollections of last year’s decorations, which were pretty spot on, and note the differences this year. She has pretty incredible attention to detail. While I certainly decorated this year, I believe the decorations are more styled to creating a particular ambiance, perhaps less noticeable because of size, but more elegant at the same time. Whatever, each room of the house has some element of the wonder of Christmas, which for me is such a foundational piece of my memory. Some shake their collective heads in wonder at my Christmas decorations, but I am not named Griswold, so in case you have that image in your head, please dispense of it. Each year is a sort of gift to those who come to visit, and it makes me feel happy the entire day as I putz around my house.
And yet, not all find their memories as comforting. I know this reality, and I find it sad. They hear something, feel something, very different in this season of lights and anticipation. I see it when I stop to place something in the kettles with the bell ringers; I am made aware of it when I see the trees with angels and a person’s name who doesn’t have the possibility of Christmas as a season of giving. I will go tomorrow to pick a name or two and see what I can offer. Where did the beginning of giving to those who are not as fortunate begin? Most will argue that it was Dicken’s amazing story of Scrooge that began it all (in 1843). Dickens wrote about the students (children) he saw on the streets of London in the poorer sections, and it was a time that England was reconsidering its own struggles with the Christmas traditions. Dickens published his little book on the 19th of December (almost to that day), and it sold out by Christmas Eve (A Christmas Carol – Wikipedia 16Dec2023). I remember playing Scrooge one year in the Sioux City Children’s Community Theatre production. I can still remember many of the lines (Weather seems to be getting colder, said Bob Crachit, the poor underpaid clerk. “COLD? HUMBUG! It doesn’t feel cold to me!” responded the misered-curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge.) And yet what do we see and what do we hear in this world that seems so torn apart by animosity, corporate greed, and a lust for power? Certainly our increased distance from December when the Christmas things appear is an example of our obsession with making Christmas about buying.
It would be easy to become disillusioned by it all, but I refuse to travel down that path. Lydia, the amazing elderly woman I cared for a decade, asked me every morning when I came to fix her breakfast (note an Austrian accent), “Michael, how are you?” And I would respond regularly, “I am well, and I have no complaints.” Her response was always the same, “That is disgusting.” And I would tell her that I was brought into her life to balance out her cynicism. She told me that was BS. And so it went. In some ways, in spite of her really good heart, she pretended to be a Scrooge of sorts. She did not like Christmas, and was so astounded when she would walk into my winter-wonderland only yards from her backdoor. I think the idea of giving to someone and making some difference in their life is really what the holiday is about. Ironically, it is because of Lydia that I have been able to give as a do, or to the degree that I do. I love seeing the look of surprise on someone’s face and the joy in their eyes when they receive something unexpected. For me, and this is my Grandmother through-and-through, it is so much more about what I can give rather than what I might receive. It gives me such joy to find that perfect thing that someone might not expect. What I see, what I feel, and what I hear, even without words, makes the moment worth it. I will not make a drastic change in our world that seems to pretend once a year (for thirty days or so) to care about those who have less than the other, but I can make a difference in the people with whom I come into contact. Maybe it is as simple as letting them go first in a crowded store; perhaps it is the willingness to allow the other person at the corner to proceed in their car before me, and those few seconds will make no difference to me and a world of difference to them. Maybe it is being willing to accept a late assignment with no penalty at this point. What do I see, what do I hear?
The dissonance of the world can drown out the incredible chords of the Christmas carols that some do not want to hear. Again, with them showing up earlier and earlier, I have some empathy, but from Thanksgiving to Epiphany, I am all about them. There is that melancholy side of me who does appreciate the minor key signs, those diminished chords or even the 7th of the chord brings me a particular feeling of reality and hope at the same time. Veni Veni, Emmanuel (sung in Latin) will get me every time (Mannheim Steamroller’s initial version of it is really gorgeous). Likewise, this blog post is the title of another of my favorite Christmas carols. Do you hear what I hear? The second or third year I was a parish pastor, for our Children’s service, which we titled “The Animals Christmas,” I asked everyone to bring a stuff animal to put in the chancel area. That is an entirely different story for sometime, but I did a monologue sermon, in my nightshirt, bathrobe, slippers, and long-tailed stocking hat. I carried my teddy-bear and used the music of the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas as background, and spoke about the animals and what they must have witnessed that first Christmas. I noted about the giving of that same Grandmother, mentioned earlier. As I put my teddy-bear to bed (on a piano bench made up like a bed, in the midst of 100s of stuffed animals in the chancel, the last strains of Stille Nacht on that first of the Christmas albums of Chip Davis, played and the lights faded. As the lights came back up, there were members of the congregation with tears streaming down their face. I was stunned. Now, some thirty years later, I am reminded of how something so simple as a stuffed animal and the recollection of caring could be so powerful. They heard so much more than perhaps I did that night. I was just worried about doing it well and hopefully that someone would realize the magical power of giving.
Today I was reminded of the frailty of life again as I listened to the stories of so many people I care for and love. Yes, in the cacophony of competing sounds that can overwhelm, I choose (and it is a choice) to hang on the hope that small acts of kindness will make a world of difference for the person receiving it. Step back for a moment, and if you have the means, give to the other. Listen for a moment for the tones and the songs that remind us that this is goodness in people. Sometimes we merely need to let it occur. To my students over the years who still read this: thank you for being the amazing light in my last 30 years. To those who are students now, I wish you a blessed holiday with your families. I wish you all a blessed last week of Advent as you prepare. For my friends of other faiths, I wish you a blessed season in your own traditions. And here is the carol that inspired this blog.
I wish you each a wonderful coming week and thank you for reading,
Dr. Martin
thewritingprofessor55 
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday as well. The sound of Christmas music always gets me to dance and sing with my friends and family, but my favorite part is the morning of Christmas every year my family would wake up at 8am and run downstairs to see all of the presents under the tree. I love the sound of wrapping paper and the anticipation of seeing what I got, but my favorite part of Christmas isn’t the gifts. It’s being surrounded by love and joy. I don’t get to see my aunt, uncle, or cousins very much on my father’s side, so when Christmas comes along, I’m so excited to see them and catch up on everyone’s life. My Grandmother as well said that she was the “queen” of Christmas, she would cook all the dinner, put up all the Christmas decorations and stockings for the grandkids, and buy anything she could for gifts knowing that we would love anything we received from her. In my eyes my grandmother is an angel that’s meant to make people happy and feel loved. Christmas will always be my favorite holiday and the most love and memories that I will always have.
Maggie,
Thank you for this first blog response posting. I think your reflection on the holiday, as well as family and life, are important. We are always the product of our upbringing, but that is not something that locks us into some kind of behavior or personal process. I am happy that your Christmas holidays offer the opportunity to connect with extended family. Those are important memories.
Again thank you for your thoughts.
Dr. Martin
Hello Dr. Martin,
This December has been extremely busy for everyone around me that it hasn’t felt like Christmas. Your post made me start to gain that feeling back about Christmas this year. It made me sit back and think about how Christmas brings such light into those less fortunate around us and that’s what I enjoy the most about it. My dads side of the family, especially his sister, have always been very big on presents and the more quantity and extravagant presents you get is what makes Christmas good or bad. As a young girl I started to hate Christmas because I always just thought it was dumb that everything was a reflection of the gifts and I would be so confused as to how they are a very catholic family but yet still seemed to miss the true meaning of Christmas. My moms side of the family, however isn’t very religious but yet being around them for Christmas always seemed so different and almost magical in a sense.
My mom has twin sisters who both got into the wrong crowd in high school and suffer in life today. They don’t have much and never really get to experience things like I do. We host Christmas every year at my moms house and we always go all out with the decorations since that’s my favorite thing to do at Christmas. Decorating with my mom and twin sister every year bring us all so much joy because we know that it will brighten her sisters day when they see it. Every year we change the whole inside completely and they always cry in joy when they come and we wait to put up the ornaments on our tree until Christmas Eve this way they can be apart of it too. We never really do gifts with them because the gift of being together is an amazing gift in itself. To many people forget that Christmas is about reconnecting and sharing memories with the ones you love.
When you were talking about how your grandmas house always felt like home is defiantly something I can relate to. I have moved a lot and my parents are divorced but the one thing that has never changed is my grandmas house. When I am always asked what’s home for me, it is her house. It is the one thing I’ve known since I was young and my parents were very busy so we spent a lot of time there when we were younger. I did everything with them so anytime I get to go there for a visit, I always just get a feeling of safety and love. My mind goes at ease for the time I am there.
It seems like the sermon you gave the one night at church was defiantly an eye opener for many. To this day, every Sunday I am always listen closely to the children’s sermon because I am able to understand them and relate them to my life much easier. My church has changed drastically in the past couple of years from having 20-30 kids every Sunday to struggling to get even 2. However, there is always a ton of children there on easter and Christmas Eve. This breaks my heart and makes me feel that part of the reason why are world seems to have forgot the true meaning of Christmas is because a lot of people are growing farther and farther away from their faith. Thank you for writing this blog as it helped me to remember what I enjoy about Christmas!
Olivia
Dr. Martin,
Although I haven’t felt as though Christmas is approaching, your post has certainly reminded me of the season! I have been feeling the effects of the season as this week begins. My brother, mom, and dad all have their birthdays within 5 days. My brother, Reece, just celebrated his 18th birthday on Saturday. It feels strange that my baby brother is now an adult, especially because I only turned 19 this past July. I have always appreciated how close we are to each other because of that incredibly small age difference. I appreciate the closeness that you have with treasured friends; it reminds me of the affection I share for those close to me.
I am very lucky to have a loving family that is fortunate enough to provide comfort and gifts during this part of the year. Hearing you speak about the angel trees makes me sad and reflective on what this time of year means for some people. I find it incredibly rewarding to help those who may need it, especially around the winter holidays when stress rises for some. Helping at my grandmother’s church is something that I have been doing for years, and I am glad that I am able to do so again while I am at home. To me, Christmas is about spending time with those you love and showing that you care for them. My family has always placed more weight on experiences instead of physical gifts for reasons you touched on in your writing. It is sad to look around and see the excessive transactional interactions that we have in our society.
Your writing is very touching and easy to relate to. I appreciate the thoughtful and gentle way you speak about different subjects in your writing. It makes it very refreshing to read, and it inspires independent thoughts and reflections for those around you.
I hope you have a happy and joyful week!
Lily Kachel
Lily,
Thank you for your thoughts and your own reflective nature as you read. I think one of the most significant things we can do as humans is reflect on what occurs, what we experience, and what we understand. If you walk up from the Scranton Commons, and take the time to look at the back of Ben Franklin Hall, above the door, there is a stone engaged block above that door. It states, “Wisdom is the Fruit of Reflection.” I have realized that learning is being a sponge and soaking up everything you can. You never know what you have until you wring it out.
I wish you a blessed holiday season, and I appreciate your words about what I have written. If what I write might make a difference for others, that is a gift for us all. I wish you a good coming week in class.
Dr. Martin
Dr. Martin,
I can’t believe that Christmas is fast approaching and will be here in a week! Growing up, Christmas was my favorite holiday because of the breaks off from school, but more importantly I got to spend time with the ones that I loved. Every year, I would help my mom decorate for Christmas and my favorite part was setting up her grandmother’s acrylic Christmas tree. I always thought it looked beautiful when it was lit up at night. I was upset when I couldn’t help her decorate this year because I was still at school taking finals. However, I was able to bake Christmas cookies with her like I did when I was little. I think that’s what I like most about the Christmas season is how close I get to be with my mom because she always made it special for my sister and I.
Even though I’m 19 years old, I still get so excited about waking up on Christmas morning to open presents with my family. When I was younger, I couldn’t even sleep on Christmas Eve because I was so excited for Santa to come. Even though I know what’s true, I still get excited and can’t sleep through the whole night. The anticipation of opening the presents and spending quality time with your family, that’s what I can’t wait for. Everyone has their own traditions, and I can’t wait to get through mine and have one more Christmas season pass us by.
Have an excellent week,
Abbie Motto
Dr. Martin,
I enjoyed reading about the magical Christmas vibe your grandmother made for you growing up. My grandparents take Christmas very seriously and make sure everyone feels the love, as your grandparents did. Christmas is such a great time to reflect on those less fortunate and think about the things that we could do to spread happiness to everyone.
Earlier this year, my dad went to Nicaragua on a missions trip to help the local people and church. He went with 2 other guys and when they came back they created a board with a chance to “adopt” a kid. By “adopting” one of these kids you are giving them the things they need for school, church, food, and other things. There has been thousands donated to these kids by our church and it has only increased this holiday season. He is going back down the first week of February to help give out these supplies and to continue work on the church and school.
Thank you for sharing your holiday wishes. I enjoyed hearing about your Christmas decorations and I hope you have a great holiday.
Dr. Martin,
My mother is the reason I love Christmas so much. She is always the one to over decorate her house and over gift to her children. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the gifts every year but I tell her it is too much sometimes. I feel bad that she spends so much on me but she just loves to give. I can’t really say anything much either because I too love to give gifts to others just to see the look of joy come across their face.
I love hearing about your grandmother and how she was when you were growing up. She was a bright light in your life and it’s so amazing that you are still letting her shine through. I think that is what is sad about the holidays, we try to keep traditions alive even when they are no longer around but it still is not the same. Every Christmas morning my grandma Ginny and Grandpa Robert would come over for Christmas breakfast. When I was nine my grandma passed away from lung cancer and my dad was very upset that his mom no longer was going to be around for Christmas breakfast so, my mom decided too keep the tradition alive for my father. As we got older and my siblings and I got significant others, we still managed to be at our parents house every Christmas morning. Unfortunately, this year will be different due to us living in out first house for Christmas so my husband wanted to hit his parents house in the morning since my family spends Christmas Eve together. I am trying to be fair but it is truly very hard for me not being with my parents and my siblings for Christmas morning. I have to accept that as we get older traditions will change, it is just bitter sweet.
Though I love to give others gifts during Christmas, I can’t help but to agree with you that some make the holiday all about just that. For me family is a huge aspect of my life, not only being able to give to them but also be around them makes my heart full. My brother currently is in the Air Force, he cannot come home for Christmas this year bit we always manage to have him on FaceTime during the day and send him gifts as well as Christmas cookies to him in the mail.
I really appreciate how heartfelt your blogs are. You truly speak from the heart and I appreciate that, I find your blogs are easy to relate myself and my life too. I hope you have a great holiday weekend!!
-Alexis Schleef
Dr. Martin,
It is currently far past Christmas to be writing about it but this post caught my eye. Your many mentions of Christmas movies brings me back to when I would watch them with my family on DVD. We only stream movies now but we still keep the DVD’s for decoration. Our family tradition is to watch Christmas Vacation as we decorate the house and the tree for Christmas. The tradition and holiday itself has lost its whimsy which is sad to say. As I grow older, I wish I could go back and embrace the Christmases with my full family. I miss it so. I wish it had the same spark as I was younger but that happens to everything as you grow up. I guess the real challenge in life is to keep the spark and remain full of whimsy as you go through your journey of life. Thank you for this post.
Amelia Lamont