Christmas discussion!

[Woytgirl]

Thanks for asking about the rules...you’re fine. As long as no one is fighting, I think it’s ok for people to discuss their different opinions and traditions.

I grew up Catholic so Christmas is simply part of my life. Always has been. Besides, who wouldn't find something to celebrate during these short dark days of the year?

I don't see the necessary link between Christmas and religion. ...especially since the holiday existed well before Christianity plopped the birth of Christ (which was probably in the Spring if you accept the Biblical description) on top of it.

If you're European -- and our American traditions are largely European -- it's an important and a joyful cultural celebration. ... as every department store seems to know (and who questions their spiritual beliefs?). Who needs more excuse than that to show our love and generosity and fellowship with one another? Who can't get into the spirit of a communal revel? Even Jewish people have raised the profile of Hannukah -- which was modest and private when I was a kid in the 50s -- to a general part of the December bacchanal.

As for how to celebrate, I bet my Christmas looks very much like yours. I even -- since I've collected Christmas ornaments for 50 years -- have all kinds of nativity scenes. I don't have to believe in it to nod to the iconography.

PS I don't believe in Santa anymore either. But I still LOVE the concept!

PPS Let me know if this violates the spirit of your thread 'cause I wouldn't want to harsh anyone's Christmas buzz. I will happily delete it if it's unhelpful.

 

[Woytgirl]

Anyone have a list of good Christmas movies? I have a small one here:
The man who invented Christmas
It’s a wonderful life
White Christmas
A Christmas Carol

 

[IamRainey]

I'm happy to discuss my thoughts. Just don't want to interfere with your thread so be sure to let me know.

I celebrate Christmas. To me that's exactly what you describe: a time of love and generosity and hope for renewal.

 

[IamRainey]

Anyone have a list of good Christmas movies? I have a small one here:
The man who invented Christmas
It’s a wonderful life
White Christmas
A Christmas Carol

I love A Christmas Story. You know, Raphie and his Red Ryder 200 shot automatic repeating rifle.

Jean Shepherd was one of my favorite authors when I was in high school. When they made In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash into the movie I was delighted. ...not the least because when my kids were small and the movie was relatively new their favorite question was "what was [everything] like when you were a kid". This movie was THE answer. ...even to the snowsuits so packed with insulation that you couldn't touch your sides.

 

[PirateGirl]

Growing up our church had a Christmas Eve candlelight services. It was virtually all hymns. Something nice about the entire congregation singing the whole service. What made it really special was the bell chior. Perhaps I need to find a new service in my new geographical location. Hmm...

 

[IamRainey]

So who's got favorite Christmas recipes?

One of the things I do every year is a German Stollen. This is the Hans Röckenwagner recipe from the NYT that I use. It's nice because he uses conventional dried fruit that isn't cloying and just a bit of candied orange peel. I candy my orange peel right after Thanksgiving and save enough to dip whole strips in chocolate for Christmas. I also save the syrup and pull that out again in the Summer to sweeten iced tea.

Röckenwagner doesn't use marzipan but I like it and it's simple to add. Just smack down the length of your dough just to one side of the center with a rolling pin at the final proof. Lay the strip of marzipan down the middle and then that deep dent will allow the top to stay folded over during the rise and the baking.

 

[Peppercorngal]

So I’ve been wondering about something for a long time. As everyone knows, we Catholics and Christians celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus. I know that some of you celebrate it even if you’re not Christians. I guess I just wonder why you celebrate and what traditions you have.

I grew up in a non religious home. We didn't go to any church. My Mom would always have all the family come to our home for a big Thanksgiving sit-down dinner. She would then decorate for Christmas and the next "tradition" was a big family Christmas Eve party with a serve yourself buffet. As the youngest daughter I have continued both of those traditions, however, I am now a Christian (and our son is a Pastor!). So now our decorations include a big lit Jesus sign, (husband made it) & a nativity, things like that. The family and food and the love shown is still the most important, we just believe that (for us) "Jesus is the reason for the season"!

 

[Peppercorngal]

Anyone have a list of good Christmas movies? I have a small one here:
The man who invented Christmas
It’s a wonderful life
White Christmas
A Christmas Carol

I love the Miracle on 34th Street! It's truly my favorite.

 

[PirateGirl]

This thread as well as some photos from friends has inspired me to have a baking day!

 

[Peppercorngal]

Growing up our church had a Christmas Eve candlelight services. It was virtually all hymns. Something nice about the entire congregation singing the whole service. What made it really special was the bell chior. Perhaps I need to find a new service in my new geographical location. Hmm...

Yes, you should find a local church where you feel comfortable and you can share in traditions you are familiar and pleased with! Those good memories mean a lot. You may find a few new friends at the same time!