Holiday Misc.

[helwen]

Today is St. Nicholas' Day. No, I'm not a Catholic Christian, never have been. But he was a fine and generous fellow, so I like him. Happy St. Nicholas' Day!

And Sharon Astyk posted another good post, a re-run from last year. It ties in thoughts on the days of Channukah to thoughts on our world/community, in good and thoughtful ways. I also learned a few more bits about the Jewish religion, which is not a bad thing either. Many religions and cultures have good things to recommend them, as long as we learn and accept them for what they are in a mindful way.
Ways of Looking at a Menorah

From her section on the first candle:

There are two traditional brachot, or blessings, for the Chanukah candles that are said every night. But on the first night, we add a third blessing, the schecheyanu. This prayer translates as "Thank You G-d for sustaining us and bringing us to this particular moment."

I like this because she goes on to talk about the third prayer as being offered when one hasn't done or experienced something in a while. I think it is a good thing to give thanks not only on special occasions or at new beginnings in a planned ceremony, but also when, as you go about your daily routine, to perhaps take a moment to appreciate the sun on the snow, the unexpected ginger blooms, being able to do simple things like putting a cup on the shelf. In the haste to reach some distant goal, how often do each of us pause to be thankful for what treasures we already possess?

L and I have been debating having a tree this year -- the hill is still overcrowded, so we'd be doing the trees a favor, really. But while I'd like some festive decor in the apartment, the very thought of doing that on top of everything else is a bit... much. So, probably no tree this year. Maybe a bough and a few cones, a few ornaments or bows here and there. Maybe something on the stairway... Marian would probably like that :)

Comments

[freya46.livejournal.com]

I love the smell of the fir. Twice a year I put a small frond into BoB. At sukkot (covering the sukkah-no not mine) and at Christmas (taken off the snow in the mall parking lot).

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I love it too :) Maybe once the ginger has finished blooming. I'm enjoying that unexpected pleasure as much as possible.