A recent podcast made me consider the advantages of writing a Christmas letter instead of sending friends and family images from the year.
“You just can’t do [it] with a collection of selfies or any other kind of scenic images.
It requires a story. And the act of having to commit yourself to tell a story is an invitation to tell the full dimensions of that, or the fuller dimension.”
Curtis Chang explained photos, while they are good, can’t tell a complete story. We either choose the best images, because we desire to put out best foot forward, or we attempt to show an image that can exploit a situation.
Regarding Santa, a mood board with all a child’s requests is not quite the same as a handwritten letter. If you have a lot of hopes and fears to convey, a handwritten letter may be the way to go. It may be the only way for clearer Christmas requests.
It may be too late for me this year, but I may reconsider writing a Christmas letter next year. Check back with me then and see if I follow through.
Some days, it feels more and more difficult to take Saint Francis of Assisi’s prayer at face value to be an instrument of peace.
Yet, there is a future of peacemakers. After all, the only thing warmongers achieve is death and destruction. We cannot live in a world where everyone is at each other’s throats, whether it is nations, communities of families, we need peacemakers.
This is my prayer as we enter the holiday season. May I be an instrument of peace. Where there is hatred, Lord, let me sow love.
On this morning’s run, I felt compelled to take a picture of brightly decorated palm trees. Yes, my friends, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even in Florida.
This morning, I also heard that Christmas albums are already hitting the charts in mid-November. This reminded me of a workplace debate we had on the first of November on when it was appropriate to start with Christmas music. It looks like the people have spoken, and that time is now.
Why the rush? We love the memories and good feelings associated with the season. Besides, it’s getting darker, and we need more lights to help us see our way through the darkness.
So roll out the holly! And crank up the holiday music, everyone. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in mid-November!
Is everything a competition? Do we need monster squash? Maybe so, because it seems a giant pumpkin makes for a happy Halloween.
Halloween is almost upon us. When I think about this day, it reminds me of some art I did for a Trunk-n-Treat event at my church. Every year, I would fret about how to decorate my trunk for the event. One day, I thought how much easier it would be if I found a pumpkin large enough to fill the entire trunk.
I then considered the size of the candle and the potential fire hazard. I scrapped the idea. But what a sight that would have made!
Behold the Giant Pumpkin!
As Halloween approaches, many people are busy preparing for the holiday. Some may spend hours searching for the perfect costume, while others focus on decorating their homes and yards. For some, however, the real challenge comes in finding the most oversized and most impressive pumpkin.
Everything is a competition these days, and Halloween is no exception. People go to great lengths to grow and display giant pumpkins possible. These behemoth gourds can weigh hundreds of pounds and are often showcased at county fairs and other events. Some even compete in pumpkin-carving contests, showcasing their artistic skills alongside their massive creations.
But is all of this really necessary? Do we really need monster-sized squash to make Halloween enjoyable? Perhaps not, but there is something undeniably impressive about a giant pumpkin. It’s a symbol of the season, and it can make for a great photo op or conversation starter.
Safe Gourding
Of course, there are practical concerns to consider as well. A giant pumpkin might not be the best choice for a Trunk-n-Treat event due to the potential stress on your shock absorbers. Besides that, have you ever tried removing an oversized pumpkin from a car trunk? Oh, the horror!
However, for those who can display these massive gourds safely, they can be a fun and festive addition to any Halloween celebration. Practice safe carving, my friend! And check your local ordinances for transporting massive fruits in your locale.
Have a safe time with your family this evening. Watch out for an errant giant pumpkin. And by the way, Happy All Saints Day!
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
This children’s activity page illustrates part of the Christmas story. An angel visits Zechariah and announces the birth of John the Baptist. The story is in Luke 1: 5–19.
Five items on the activity page do not belong: a teddy bear, baby bottle, rattle, spoon, and Bible.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
