(Part One)
My cab arrived back at the Carlton hotel just as the snow began to fall again.
I paid the driver and Danny and I walked into the lobby of the airport hotel.
It had been a nice evening out, a lovely meal and good company.
There were forty of us at the restaurant, colleagues from all over Europe some of them close friends and some of them more so.
“Night cap?” I asked
“No thanks’ mate I’m on the red eye in the morning” Danny replied.
I looked at my watch and saw it was already morning.
“I’ll say goodnight then” I said and we shook hands and Danny headed for the desk.
I was definitely up for one, so I headed for the bar.
There were only a handful of people in there at that hour and as I caught the night porter’s eye.
“Jameson’s” I said “a large one”
“Make that two” She said from behind me
I recognised the voice and said to the barman “Two”
I turned around and looked at the woman who had been the object of my lust for nine months and an unrequited love for three of those.
Gail Nichols was my older woman, my cougar if you like.
She was four years the wrong side of fifty but still beautiful in my eyes even though I was nineteen years younger.
Gail and I had shared an office for over a year, and at first I loathed her I thought she was vain, overbearing and manipulative.
And her opinion of me was much the same.
But as the weeks changed into months my feelings for her changed with them.
Gail had an English father and a Burmese mother which left her with brown skin and western features.
An exotic looking woman with jet black hair and large brown eyes.
She was tall, slender and very well endowed with legs to die for.
I would surreptitiously watch her move around the office on her shapely legs admiring the tightness of her skirt around her hips and buttocks as she bent.
And when she was sat at her desk my eyes would stray to her gaping blouse and the treasures contained within.
But it wasn’t until a grey overcast day in June, on an office beano to Epsom that we showed each other in no uncertain terms how we felt.
When, as the Derby favourites thundered towards the finish line Gail and I, away from prying eyes, kissed for the first time.
And as we did I unzipped her leather jacket and slipped by hands inside her shirt to caress her naked skin.
Over the weeks that followed, so did more sensually intimate moments, but they were only tasters of what the two of us desired.
We had tried on several occasions to engineer an opportunity to take our burgeoning relationship to the next level.
One such opportunity was a three day trip to visit suppliers, which we got rubber stamped by management and booked appointments and hotels and we were feeling very pleased with ourselves for our lustful scheming.
However an unseen hand dealt us a blow when Gail went down with laryngitis.
Afterwards we tried to just arrange a simple dirty weekend away, Brighton, Bognor, Blackpool and other places that didn’t begin with the letter B.
We even devised an intricate scenario for the benefit of Gail’s husband, which he swallowed hook line and sinker but then that failed at the eleventh hour when I broke my wrist.
We decided we should have one last role of the dice.
(Part Two)
So it was at the Christmas Party weekend in Dublin that we planned to finally consummate our lust.
We had been out to a restaurant in Swords called The Old School House and had spent the evening sitting at the same table for the dinner, discreetly holding hands under the table, but as we left at the end of the evening we got separated and ended up in different cabs so I thought fate had interceded once again and our chance had gone.
Because although I was single at the time, Gail was a married woman, which meant there was some guilt involved.
Even if her husband Peter was a complete waste of space.
But despite and perceived guilt I was delighted to find Gail was waiting for me in the bar when I got back to the hotel.
I hadn’t taken into account that she would want it as bad as I did.
We sat in the corner of the bar and finished our drink.
“Another?” I asked
“I don’t think so” Gail said and stood up, took my hand and dragged me to my feet.
We walked arm in arm to the desk and collected our keys.
With keys in hand Gail hurried me along the corridor until we reached her room where we stood in the corridor and kissed.
At first it was the usual semi controlled kissing we had done so many times but it quickly became hot and passionate as my hand sought out her breast.
She broke away and open the door.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked
“God yes” she replied and pulled me into the room.
Once inside the room I was eager to get started again and immediately tried to get inside her clothes.
Gail however put a stop to things and said
“Not so fast, I want everything to be just so”
“Sorry” I responded not quite sure what “just so” was
But I needn’t have worried it seemed that she wanted to amongst other things get the lighting right.
She was conscious of the age difference and didn’t want me to be disappointed with what she had to offer, because as a much younger man I would have been more used to firmer flesh.
She needn’t have worried.
While she set the scene I was sent into the bathroom and while I was in there I thought it prudent to relieve myself while I had the opportunity.
However such a natural function normally simple rendered is much complicated when you are seriously aroused.
It necessitates adopting the posture of a ski jumper and even then it’s not always successful.
When I left the bathroom I found the room lighting very subdued and Gail
Wearing only a smile and a pair of White lace knickers showing in stark contrast to the gorgeous brown flesh.
“Are you disappointed”? She asked
“You’re even more gorgeous than I had hoped” I replied
She had one arm draped across her breasts
“Good answer” she said as she walked towards me and lowered her arm at the last second and I got my first long lingering look at her large round breast that I had only previously dreamed of, topped with glorious chocolate coloured nipples.
Then she was in my arms and began undressing me.
As we lay entwined in the afterglow still breathing hard from our exertions.
Gail rested her head on my chest and sighed as I reflected that making love with her was everything I had hoped it would be and more and we drifted into a sweet post coital sleep.
After a short sleep I was awoken by Gail tenderly kissing my neck as her hand strove to awaken the rest of me.
And when all of me was fully awake we made love again.
The next day when the rest of our colleagues returned to their home countries Gail and I put into effect our plan to stay on for another night and repeated the joyful pleasure of each other again and again.
I would have gladly continued our unions well into the New Year but alas after the protracted Christmas break Gail took me to one side and to my great surprise ended it.
“But I love you” I said
“And I love you” Gail concurred
“Then why?” I asked
“It has to end, not because I don’t love you” she said “But because despite everything I love my husband”
Monday 21 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 7
TREE OF LIFE
Proudly standing there
In the town’s main square
The Christmas tree stands tall
Admired by one and all
Decked with coloured lights
Of red and green and blue and white
And every kind of coloured bauble
Short and long, large and small
Candy canes and bows adorn it
And myriad forms of other trinkets
This wonder easily catches the eye
Of every busy passer by
Who simply marvel at the sight
With open mouthed delight
Who before they continue on their way
Have to wipe a tear away
But it’s not the tree reaching to the sky
That brings a tear to the eye
But the parcels of every shape and size
A festive feast for weary eyes
A testament to people’s generosity
Sitting beneath this wondrous tree
Such a generous response to the endeavour
Thank God for those who know the answer
When want and need begs the question
Praise be to those who never forget
With hearts so full of Christmas spirit
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 6
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And the reason for all the silence within
Was an over indulgence of wine and gin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE REAL ST NICK
Kate (Torrey Devitto), a pretty psychiatrist is saved from an accident during an earthquake by a man who, after hitting his head on a rock, believes he is Santa Claus.
She has him admitted to the clinic where she works and begins to nurse him back to health.
He soon "infects" everyone in the ward with the spirit of Christmas.
This may be considered as corny, predictable, holiday fare but it is very watchable nonetheless.
Jack (Kenneth Choi) as one of patients who thinks he's Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." Steals the show though and brings the movie above the mundane.
KING CANUTE
During the reign of King Canute, A thousand years ago decreed that Christmas should last for a month.
Beginning on December 13th, the feast of St. Lucia and ending on January 13th, St. Canute's Day.
BRIGHTEST TIME
At Christmas time
There is only one thing
Brighter than the Christmas lights
And that is the magical look
On a child’s face
Full of wonder and delight
STAR BOYS
The ancient tradition of “star boys” who now often accompanied the Lucia dates back to the time when boys went from door to door playing tricks, singing and begging for money to celebrate the winter solstice.
SANTA’S TOYS
When Santa was a boy
No bigger than an elf
He was in the workshop
Making toys himself
But he has no time now
For making his own toys
Because he’s out delivering
To all the girls and boys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 25 - WINTER WONDERLAND
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fifth selection.
Winter Wonderland
Music Written By Felix Bernard
Lyrics Written By Richard B. Smith
Performed By Darlene Love
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.
When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 b
While King George V was delivering his Christmas dinner speech his chair collapsed.
OH GOD TO YOU WE PRAY
Oh God to you we pray
To let peace on earth come our way
Oh God to you we pray
Would that we could have our way
Oh God grant this day
That peace on earth will come our way
Oh God we hear you say
That peace on earth will come our way
If we could from this day
Just live Christmas every day
Inspired by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981)
LUCIA PATRON SAINT OF
St Lucia of Syracuse is the patron saint of authors, blind people, blindness, cutlers, dysentery, eye disease, eye problems, fire, glaziers, hemorrhages, laborers, martyrs, notaries
Peasants, peddlers Perugia Italy, saddlers, salesmen, servant girls
Stained glass workers, scribes, Syracuse Sicily, tailors, throat infections, virgins,
Weavers and writers.
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART TWO)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
Please notice me beneath the mistletoe
And kiss away my Christmas blues
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I wish you would grant my Christmas wish
But it appears that I wish in vain
For you don’t even know that I exist
So I stand alone with my Christmas punch
Looking out at the fresh fallen snow
When I see your elfin face smile at me
And you’re holding a sprig of mistletoe
LUCY’S BREAKFAST
On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughter in the household is dressed in a white dress with a red sash and a wreath with four lighted candles on her head.
She must carry a breakfast of coffee, gingerbread cookies and sun-colored saffron buns to her parents in their bedroom.
She is followed by her sisters also dressed in white carrying lighted candles and her brothers called "star boys" wearing tall pointed caps.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 18 ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY
Once in Royal David’s City
Lyrics by Cecil Frances Alexander and Music by Henry John Gauntlett
Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 b
The Ezo Republic was founded in Hokkaido by Shogunate rebels.
MOTHER CHRISTMAS, THANKS
Mums make Christmas
Only they can
That is a fact of life
Her mission is simple
Every year
Recreating the day
Christmas for her
Holidays for her
Require of her to
Illuminate the season
Supply an army
Trim and decorate
Make and manufacture
Aid and assist
Sustain and nourish
Thank her
Honour her
Assist her
Neglect her not
Kids and spouses
Should respect her
CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT
Christmas is a time
Of many traditions
Like carol singing
With candle lit processions
But not anymore
A years old tradition
Has to had to go
For fear of litigation
“Health and safety”
So gets on my wick
As this year we had
Carols by glow stick
ST LUCIA’S DAY MIRACLES
It is believed that on the eve of St Lucia’s day that miracles occur at the stroke of midnight.
Anyone awake at the midnight hour might hear animals speaking or observe running water turned into wine.
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT
Silent night, holy night
Such a sweet carol
Neither rousing nor stirring
But moving and inspiring
A carol to unite in adoration
A song to touch the soul
Poignant and joyous
Holy music at its most powerful
Simple and unpretentious
LAST CHRISTMAS
Last Christmas
We got the winter vomiting virus
It wasn’t nice
And it was shared by all of us
It was the worst
We didn’t see much Christmas cheer
I tell you one thing
We’ve just asked for money this year
Proudly standing there
In the town’s main square
The Christmas tree stands tall
Admired by one and all
Decked with coloured lights
Of red and green and blue and white
And every kind of coloured bauble
Short and long, large and small
Candy canes and bows adorn it
And myriad forms of other trinkets
This wonder easily catches the eye
Of every busy passer by
Who simply marvel at the sight
With open mouthed delight
Who before they continue on their way
Have to wipe a tear away
But it’s not the tree reaching to the sky
That brings a tear to the eye
But the parcels of every shape and size
A festive feast for weary eyes
A testament to people’s generosity
Sitting beneath this wondrous tree
Such a generous response to the endeavour
Thank God for those who know the answer
When want and need begs the question
Praise be to those who never forget
With hearts so full of Christmas spirit
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 6
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the castle
Not a soul was stirring not even the rascal
And the reason for all the silence within
Was an over indulgence of wine and gin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – THE REAL ST NICK
Kate (Torrey Devitto), a pretty psychiatrist is saved from an accident during an earthquake by a man who, after hitting his head on a rock, believes he is Santa Claus.
She has him admitted to the clinic where she works and begins to nurse him back to health.
He soon "infects" everyone in the ward with the spirit of Christmas.
This may be considered as corny, predictable, holiday fare but it is very watchable nonetheless.
Jack (Kenneth Choi) as one of patients who thinks he's Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." Steals the show though and brings the movie above the mundane.
KING CANUTE
During the reign of King Canute, A thousand years ago decreed that Christmas should last for a month.
Beginning on December 13th, the feast of St. Lucia and ending on January 13th, St. Canute's Day.
BRIGHTEST TIME
At Christmas time
There is only one thing
Brighter than the Christmas lights
And that is the magical look
On a child’s face
Full of wonder and delight
STAR BOYS
The ancient tradition of “star boys” who now often accompanied the Lucia dates back to the time when boys went from door to door playing tricks, singing and begging for money to celebrate the winter solstice.
SANTA’S TOYS
When Santa was a boy
No bigger than an elf
He was in the workshop
Making toys himself
But he has no time now
For making his own toys
Because he’s out delivering
To all the girls and boys
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 25 - WINTER WONDERLAND
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty fifth selection.
Winter Wonderland
Music Written By Felix Bernard
Lyrics Written By Richard B. Smith
Performed By Darlene Love
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.
Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.
When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1932 b
While King George V was delivering his Christmas dinner speech his chair collapsed.
OH GOD TO YOU WE PRAY
Oh God to you we pray
To let peace on earth come our way
Oh God to you we pray
Would that we could have our way
Oh God grant this day
That peace on earth will come our way
Oh God we hear you say
That peace on earth will come our way
If we could from this day
Just live Christmas every day
Inspired by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981)
LUCIA PATRON SAINT OF
St Lucia of Syracuse is the patron saint of authors, blind people, blindness, cutlers, dysentery, eye disease, eye problems, fire, glaziers, hemorrhages, laborers, martyrs, notaries
Peasants, peddlers Perugia Italy, saddlers, salesmen, servant girls
Stained glass workers, scribes, Syracuse Sicily, tailors, throat infections, virgins,
Weavers and writers.
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART TWO)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
Please notice me beneath the mistletoe
And kiss away my Christmas blues
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I wish you would grant my Christmas wish
But it appears that I wish in vain
For you don’t even know that I exist
So I stand alone with my Christmas punch
Looking out at the fresh fallen snow
When I see your elfin face smile at me
And you’re holding a sprig of mistletoe
LUCY’S BREAKFAST
On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughter in the household is dressed in a white dress with a red sash and a wreath with four lighted candles on her head.
She must carry a breakfast of coffee, gingerbread cookies and sun-colored saffron buns to her parents in their bedroom.
She is followed by her sisters also dressed in white carrying lighted candles and her brothers called "star boys" wearing tall pointed caps.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 18 ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY
Once in Royal David’s City
Lyrics by Cecil Frances Alexander and Music by Henry John Gauntlett
Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 b
The Ezo Republic was founded in Hokkaido by Shogunate rebels.
MOTHER CHRISTMAS, THANKS
Mums make Christmas
Only they can
That is a fact of life
Her mission is simple
Every year
Recreating the day
Christmas for her
Holidays for her
Require of her to
Illuminate the season
Supply an army
Trim and decorate
Make and manufacture
Aid and assist
Sustain and nourish
Thank her
Honour her
Assist her
Neglect her not
Kids and spouses
Should respect her
CAROLS BY CANDLE LIGHT
Christmas is a time
Of many traditions
Like carol singing
With candle lit processions
But not anymore
A years old tradition
Has to had to go
For fear of litigation
“Health and safety”
So gets on my wick
As this year we had
Carols by glow stick
ST LUCIA’S DAY MIRACLES
It is believed that on the eve of St Lucia’s day that miracles occur at the stroke of midnight.
Anyone awake at the midnight hour might hear animals speaking or observe running water turned into wine.
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT
Silent night, holy night
Such a sweet carol
Neither rousing nor stirring
But moving and inspiring
A carol to unite in adoration
A song to touch the soul
Poignant and joyous
Holy music at its most powerful
Simple and unpretentious
LAST CHRISTMAS
Last Christmas
We got the winter vomiting virus
It wasn’t nice
And it was shared by all of us
It was the worst
We didn’t see much Christmas cheer
I tell you one thing
We’ve just asked for money this year
Sunday 20 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 6
OH MY PRETTY LITTLE ELFIN FACED GIRL (PART ONE)
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
I’ve admired you from a distance
Where your smile melts away my blues
I watched you bloom in the spring
And bask in the warm summer glow
Then dressed in russet colours of autumn
And all the year I’ve felt my love grow
Now winter is here and Christmas is near
Oh how I long to kiss your sweet lips so
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I pray I meet you beneath the mistletoe
MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS GIFT
My favourite Christmas gift
Costs nothing it’s free
It’s the overflowing gift of joy
I get from my family
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 7
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the Hotel
There were creatures emitting a terrible smell
And the cause of the awful pungent aroma
Was an octogenarian party from Cromer
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 6
On Christmas day 1908 Quentin Crisp, gay author and activist for homosexuals was born while fellow author Carlos Castaneda arrived in 1925.
Rod Serling scriptwriter and the host of The Twilight Zone was born Christmas day 1924 and in 1913 it was Henri Nannen, journalist and publisher.
SANTA SHOWS THE WAY
Several years ago in a small town in Pennsylvania a paramedic responded to help a motorist who had suffered a heart attack.
When he arrived on scene he noticed a man in a Santa suit directing traffic around the area of the incident.
He later discovered it was a firefighter who had been playing Santa at a children's party and came upon the accident on his way home.
CHRISTMAS PASSED
I miss my dad, I miss my mum
And my brother now he’s gone
But though we are forever apart
They live on still in my heart
Through every special memory
Of the time they shared with me
So although they have gone away
They will be with me on Christmas day
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – JOYEUX NOËL
Joyeux Noël portrays a small part of the historic events of Christmas Eve 1914 when numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the French, German and British front-line soldiers of the conflict met peacefully in No Man's Land.
The film shines a light on the rare window of peace when men met to share a precious pause in the hostilities to exchange mementoes and sing Christmas songs.
The short respite when humanity briefly returned to the battle scarred land was soon at an end but this film portrays events beautifully.
GANNA
Christmas in Ethiopia is known as Ganna and as the orthodox Ethiopian church uses the old Julian calendar and is celebrated on January 7th.
The most spiritual place experience a traditional Ganna is in Lalibela, which was built by King Lalibela in the 12th century as Ethiopia's own Jerusalem.
Pilgrims travel for days to attend colorful Ganna ceremonies in one of the thirteen ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock.
In the rest of the country and particularly in the capital Addis Adaba the celebration takes place in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles.
Men and boys have to sit separately from the girls and the women and the choir sings from the outside circle.
As the People enter the churches they receive candles and after lighting them everyone walks around the church three times.
Once people take their places they then stand throughout the mass, which can last as long as three hours
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 26 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty sixth selection.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written By Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Performed By Judy Garland
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
Out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
Miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
TWO THOUSAND YEARS HAVE PASSED
Two thousand years have passed
Since you died on that cross of pain
Dying for our salvation
Which began your holy reign
Two thousand years have passed
And when Christmas comes again
We will celebrate the day of you birth
Which began your holy reign
TASKING
Folklore surrounding St Lucia suggests that unfinished tasks should be completed by St Lucia’s day such as the grain from the year's harvest should be threshed and all spinning, weaving, cleaning and decorating.
CHRISTMAS PIG
In preparation for Christmas farmers slaughter the Christmas pig on St. Lucy's Day.
GROTTOS GO LEGAL
Santa’s little helpers, the first contacts,
Have all been given revised contracts
They will be known by the Santa Claus’s
From this year on as subordinate clauses
TOMTEN
The Victor Rydberg poem, "Tomten," is always read at the Lucia Fest of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 17 IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Written by Edmund Sears
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
We have just learned
Candles may not be burned
In Santa’s workshop
The practise has to stop
A spokesman claims
That elfin safety is to blame
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE PACIFIC
Hawaii
Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou
New Zealand (Maori)
Meri Kirihimete
Papua New Guinea
Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Philippines
Maligayan Pasko
Philippines (Tagalog)
Maligayamg Pasko
Masaganang Bagong Taon
Samoa
La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1901
The Boers launched a surprise attack against the British forces in the Orange-Free state at the Battle at Tweefontein.
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 2
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
In a typical parish establishment
Full of the inebriated and the loose
She we should have a Christmas goose
DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
What would you call a man?
With a big belly and no dress sense
Who never replies to your letters
A man that’s too lazy to shave
And is obsessed with stockings,
Who can only be relied upon for one day a year
Will never stop to ask for directions
A man who only owns one suit
Never gets you the present you asked for
And needs to be rewarded with food and drink
Oh and always leaves the dirty dishes
Well what do you think? Could be any man alive eh?
So what would you call this man?
I would call him Santa
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
In green woolly tights and pixie shoes
I’ve admired you from a distance
Where your smile melts away my blues
I watched you bloom in the spring
And bask in the warm summer glow
Then dressed in russet colours of autumn
And all the year I’ve felt my love grow
Now winter is here and Christmas is near
Oh how I long to kiss your sweet lips so
Oh my pretty little elfin faced girl
I pray I meet you beneath the mistletoe
MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS GIFT
My favourite Christmas gift
Costs nothing it’s free
It’s the overflowing gift of joy
I get from my family
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 7
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the Hotel
There were creatures emitting a terrible smell
And the cause of the awful pungent aroma
Was an octogenarian party from Cromer
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 6
On Christmas day 1908 Quentin Crisp, gay author and activist for homosexuals was born while fellow author Carlos Castaneda arrived in 1925.
Rod Serling scriptwriter and the host of The Twilight Zone was born Christmas day 1924 and in 1913 it was Henri Nannen, journalist and publisher.
SANTA SHOWS THE WAY
Several years ago in a small town in Pennsylvania a paramedic responded to help a motorist who had suffered a heart attack.
When he arrived on scene he noticed a man in a Santa suit directing traffic around the area of the incident.
He later discovered it was a firefighter who had been playing Santa at a children's party and came upon the accident on his way home.
CHRISTMAS PASSED
I miss my dad, I miss my mum
And my brother now he’s gone
But though we are forever apart
They live on still in my heart
Through every special memory
Of the time they shared with me
So although they have gone away
They will be with me on Christmas day
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – JOYEUX NOËL
Joyeux Noël portrays a small part of the historic events of Christmas Eve 1914 when numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the French, German and British front-line soldiers of the conflict met peacefully in No Man's Land.
The film shines a light on the rare window of peace when men met to share a precious pause in the hostilities to exchange mementoes and sing Christmas songs.
The short respite when humanity briefly returned to the battle scarred land was soon at an end but this film portrays events beautifully.
GANNA
Christmas in Ethiopia is known as Ganna and as the orthodox Ethiopian church uses the old Julian calendar and is celebrated on January 7th.
The most spiritual place experience a traditional Ganna is in Lalibela, which was built by King Lalibela in the 12th century as Ethiopia's own Jerusalem.
Pilgrims travel for days to attend colorful Ganna ceremonies in one of the thirteen ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock.
In the rest of the country and particularly in the capital Addis Adaba the celebration takes place in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles.
Men and boys have to sit separately from the girls and the women and the choir sings from the outside circle.
As the People enter the churches they receive candles and after lighting them everyone walks around the church three times.
Once people take their places they then stand throughout the mass, which can last as long as three hours
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 26 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty sixth selection.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written By Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Performed By Judy Garland
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
Out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
Miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
TWO THOUSAND YEARS HAVE PASSED
Two thousand years have passed
Since you died on that cross of pain
Dying for our salvation
Which began your holy reign
Two thousand years have passed
And when Christmas comes again
We will celebrate the day of you birth
Which began your holy reign
TASKING
Folklore surrounding St Lucia suggests that unfinished tasks should be completed by St Lucia’s day such as the grain from the year's harvest should be threshed and all spinning, weaving, cleaning and decorating.
CHRISTMAS PIG
In preparation for Christmas farmers slaughter the Christmas pig on St. Lucy's Day.
GROTTOS GO LEGAL
Santa’s little helpers, the first contacts,
Have all been given revised contracts
They will be known by the Santa Claus’s
From this year on as subordinate clauses
TOMTEN
The Victor Rydberg poem, "Tomten," is always read at the Lucia Fest of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 17 IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Written by Edmund Sears
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
We have just learned
Candles may not be burned
In Santa’s workshop
The practise has to stop
A spokesman claims
That elfin safety is to blame
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE PACIFIC
Hawaii
Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou
New Zealand (Maori)
Meri Kirihimete
Papua New Guinea
Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Philippines
Maligayan Pasko
Philippines (Tagalog)
Maligayamg Pasko
Masaganang Bagong Taon
Samoa
La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1901
The Boers launched a surprise attack against the British forces in the Orange-Free state at the Battle at Tweefontein.
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE WORKHOUSE # 2
It’s Christmas day in the workhouse
In a typical parish establishment
Full of the inebriated and the loose
She we should have a Christmas goose
DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
What would you call a man?
With a big belly and no dress sense
Who never replies to your letters
A man that’s too lazy to shave
And is obsessed with stockings,
Who can only be relied upon for one day a year
Will never stop to ask for directions
A man who only owns one suit
Never gets you the present you asked for
And needs to be rewarded with food and drink
Oh and always leaves the dirty dishes
Well what do you think? Could be any man alive eh?
So what would you call this man?
I would call him Santa
Saturday 19 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 5
BE ON YOUR GUARD
Be on your guard
Wherever you go
Tread very carefully
You could even tip toe
But if you don’t take heed
And don’t watch where you go
You may get caught
Beneath the mistletoe
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1977
The Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin met in Egypt with the President of Egypt Anwar Sadat
CHRISTMAS COMMON VILLAGE
Christmas Common is a village situated near Watlington in Oxfordshire.
The Christmas common woods are owned jointly by the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
Combining Woodland and chalk grassland the area offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside such as Watlington Hill and the woods of Lower Dean and Shotridge also Fire Wood, Queen Wood, Watlington Park, College Wood, Pyrton Hill, Howe Wood and Greenfield Copse.
CHRISTMAS BABY
Oh how fondly we both remember
That most special time in December
The first Christmas for our little boy
Our new born precious bundle of joy
The most special gift sent from above
Sent down from heaven for us to love
Now our baby boy is all full grown
With a little bundle of joy of his own
QUEEN OF LIGHT
When St. Lucia had her feast day on the shortest day of the year she was known as the queen of light and people believed that she lead the way for the sun to lengthen the days.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – TRADING PLACES
Trading Places is a very amusing Christmas Comedy.
Duke and Duke, owned by the brothers Mortimer and Randolph Duke (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) are commodity brokers, though a long standing family institution they are not averse to breaking the law.
There employee Louis Winthorpe (Dan Ackroyd) on the other hand is as straight as an arrow.
So when Winthorpe encounters Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a street hustler and assumes he is trying to rob him, he has him arrested.
The Dukes however have a bet between themselves on whether Winthorpe would resort to crime if separated from everything and everyone he knows.
And if they offered his job, his home, his life to Valentine, would the blueblood Winthorpe revert to crime and would the petty criminal rise to meet the challenge of his new position.
When the wheels are set in motion is when the fun begins.
Jamie Lee Curtis who plays prostitute Ophelia adds the romantic interest and a little extra.
INGERA AND DORO WAT
Injera is a traditional Ethiopian Christmas dish which is a type of bread in the form of a sourdough pancake.
The main meal is Doro Wat, which is a spicy chicken stew, served in beautifully decorated Baskets, with which the Injera serves as both plate and fork when it is used to scoop up the Wat.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Memories of Christmas past
Etched deep within
Remembered fondly
Remembered joyfully
Youthful memories
Christmas lights
Holly wreaths
Ringing bells
Icing the cake
Singing carols
Trimming the tree
Mistletoe for kissing mum
All done with love
Special Christmas’s with mum and dad
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 21 - Dominick The Donkey
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty first selection.
Dominick the Donkey
Written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell
Performed by Lou Monte
Santa's got a little friend his name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey, you never see him kick.
When Santa visits his Paesans with Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot climb the hills of Italy.
(Chorus)
Ay, Jing-a-di-jing hee haw hee haw
It's Dominick the Donkey.
jing-a-di-jing hee haw hee haw.
De Italian Christmas Donkey.
Lalalalalalalalala. lalalalalaladidooda.
Jingle Bells around his feet and presents on da sled.
Hey look at da mayor’s derby, on top of Dominick’s head.
A pair of shoes for Louis and a dress for Josephine.
Da label on de inside says dare made in Brook-a-lee.
(Chorus)
Children sing and clap dare hands and Dominick starts ta dance.
Dey talk Italian to him and he even understands
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1991
Mikhail Gorbachev formally resigned as president of the Soviet Union and the Union was formally dissolved the next day.
CHRISTMAS IS A FUNNY TIME OF YEAR
Christmas is a funny time of year
At no other time of year are the shops full to overflowing
With people who clearly don’t want to be there
Spending money they don’t have
On things the recipients of them won’t like
You send cards to people you haven’t seen for years
And you get cards from people you’ve never heard of
You spend the day itself
Amidst the people you’ve managed to avoid all year
You have to kiss relatives you never knew you had
Who keep farting and blaming it on the dog
You dine on roast Turkey
Which no one lists as their favourite meat
And you have to sit at the table wearing silly paper hats
When for the rest of the year you mustn’t wear a hat at the table
You eat Christmas pudding and mince pies
That give everyone heartburn
Then you all sit around a dead tree
Pretending to like the presents you open
You eat sweets and nuts that you took out of a sock
While you watch the Queens speech
Then you play parlour games suggested by someone
Who claims in their day “they had to make their own entertainment”
Who then falls asleep in his chair
But despite all of this I still love it
SPORTSMAN BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Kenny Stabler, American football born 1945
Larry Csonka, American football born 1946
Rickey Henderson, baseball born 1958
DECEMBER
December’s wind is bitter
December's moon is cold
December's gem is turquoise
December’s year is old
December’s sun is cool
December’s water is ice
December’s number is twelve
December smells of spice
December’s season is winter
December’s green is holly
December’s season is festive
December people are jolly
December’s shops are full
December’s shows are on
December’s drink is eggnog
December smells of cinnamon
December’s days are short
December’s nights are long
December’s tone is joy
December sings a Christmas song
REUSE OR NOT REUSE
The world is split into two distinct groups those who reuse the wrapping paper and those who don’t.
My mum was a recycler so was my grandma as for myself I am a shredder, which means I rip the paper to shreds.
It’s a technique I learned when I was six years old and I still do it now I’m forty eight.
THREE WISE ONES Reprised
The three wise men
Traveled for days before reaching Bethlehem
And arrived after the birth
They stood and viewed the scene in awe
And knelt reverently in the lords presence
Then gave their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
The three wise women
Would have stopped to ask directions
And arrived before the birth
They would have delivered the baby
Then they would have cleaned the stable and cooked a meal
Before giving the baby really useful gifts
The three wise women
Leaving Bethlehem would be heard to say
“A virgin not likely, I know the family”
“That baby looks more like the shepherd than Joseph”
“Only a drama queen would choose to give birth in a stable”
“That Joseph is on the social you know”
“Well a lift home would have been nice”
“That angel was really snooty”
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 10
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Words by Philips Brooks and Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where Misery cries out to Thee,
Son of the Mother mild;
Where Charity stands watching,
And Faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us we pray!
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us to-day.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O, come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2004
The Cassini orbiter launched the Huygens probe towards titan, Saturn's moon.
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM INDIA
India (Bengali)
Shuvo Naba Barsha
India (Hindi)
Shub Naya Baras
India (Marathi)
Shub Naya Varsh
India (Urdu)
Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
NORWEGIAN GIFT
A gift arrives each year
From across the sea
A gift from the people of Oslo
An annual gift of a Christmas tree
Given with gratitude
To stand in Trafalgar square
Received with pride
By those of us who care
A symbol of friendship
Given to us each Christmas
A token as a gift of thanks
Sent from Norway for us
BUMPER CHRISTMAS
All the sights and sounds
And all the tastes and smells
Make me love Christmas
All the carollers singing
And all the lights twinkling
Make me love Christmas
But there is one thing
More than any other
That makes me love Christmas
The bumper Radio Times
First going on sale
That makes me love Christmas
Be on your guard
Wherever you go
Tread very carefully
You could even tip toe
But if you don’t take heed
And don’t watch where you go
You may get caught
Beneath the mistletoe
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1977
The Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin met in Egypt with the President of Egypt Anwar Sadat
CHRISTMAS COMMON VILLAGE
Christmas Common is a village situated near Watlington in Oxfordshire.
The Christmas common woods are owned jointly by the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
Combining Woodland and chalk grassland the area offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside such as Watlington Hill and the woods of Lower Dean and Shotridge also Fire Wood, Queen Wood, Watlington Park, College Wood, Pyrton Hill, Howe Wood and Greenfield Copse.
CHRISTMAS BABY
Oh how fondly we both remember
That most special time in December
The first Christmas for our little boy
Our new born precious bundle of joy
The most special gift sent from above
Sent down from heaven for us to love
Now our baby boy is all full grown
With a little bundle of joy of his own
QUEEN OF LIGHT
When St. Lucia had her feast day on the shortest day of the year she was known as the queen of light and people believed that she lead the way for the sun to lengthen the days.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – TRADING PLACES
Trading Places is a very amusing Christmas Comedy.
Duke and Duke, owned by the brothers Mortimer and Randolph Duke (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) are commodity brokers, though a long standing family institution they are not averse to breaking the law.
There employee Louis Winthorpe (Dan Ackroyd) on the other hand is as straight as an arrow.
So when Winthorpe encounters Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a street hustler and assumes he is trying to rob him, he has him arrested.
The Dukes however have a bet between themselves on whether Winthorpe would resort to crime if separated from everything and everyone he knows.
And if they offered his job, his home, his life to Valentine, would the blueblood Winthorpe revert to crime and would the petty criminal rise to meet the challenge of his new position.
When the wheels are set in motion is when the fun begins.
Jamie Lee Curtis who plays prostitute Ophelia adds the romantic interest and a little extra.
INGERA AND DORO WAT
Injera is a traditional Ethiopian Christmas dish which is a type of bread in the form of a sourdough pancake.
The main meal is Doro Wat, which is a spicy chicken stew, served in beautifully decorated Baskets, with which the Injera serves as both plate and fork when it is used to scoop up the Wat.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Memories of Christmas past
Etched deep within
Remembered fondly
Remembered joyfully
Youthful memories
Christmas lights
Holly wreaths
Ringing bells
Icing the cake
Singing carols
Trimming the tree
Mistletoe for kissing mum
All done with love
Special Christmas’s with mum and dad
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 21 - Dominick The Donkey
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my twenty first selection.
Dominick the Donkey
Written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell
Performed by Lou Monte
Santa's got a little friend his name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey, you never see him kick.
When Santa visits his Paesans with Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot climb the hills of Italy.
(Chorus)
Ay, Jing-a-di-jing hee haw hee haw
It's Dominick the Donkey.
jing-a-di-jing hee haw hee haw.
De Italian Christmas Donkey.
Lalalalalalalalala. lalalalalaladidooda.
Jingle Bells around his feet and presents on da sled.
Hey look at da mayor’s derby, on top of Dominick’s head.
A pair of shoes for Louis and a dress for Josephine.
Da label on de inside says dare made in Brook-a-lee.
(Chorus)
Children sing and clap dare hands and Dominick starts ta dance.
Dey talk Italian to him and he even understands
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1991
Mikhail Gorbachev formally resigned as president of the Soviet Union and the Union was formally dissolved the next day.
CHRISTMAS IS A FUNNY TIME OF YEAR
Christmas is a funny time of year
At no other time of year are the shops full to overflowing
With people who clearly don’t want to be there
Spending money they don’t have
On things the recipients of them won’t like
You send cards to people you haven’t seen for years
And you get cards from people you’ve never heard of
You spend the day itself
Amidst the people you’ve managed to avoid all year
You have to kiss relatives you never knew you had
Who keep farting and blaming it on the dog
You dine on roast Turkey
Which no one lists as their favourite meat
And you have to sit at the table wearing silly paper hats
When for the rest of the year you mustn’t wear a hat at the table
You eat Christmas pudding and mince pies
That give everyone heartburn
Then you all sit around a dead tree
Pretending to like the presents you open
You eat sweets and nuts that you took out of a sock
While you watch the Queens speech
Then you play parlour games suggested by someone
Who claims in their day “they had to make their own entertainment”
Who then falls asleep in his chair
But despite all of this I still love it
SPORTSMAN BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Kenny Stabler, American football born 1945
Larry Csonka, American football born 1946
Rickey Henderson, baseball born 1958
DECEMBER
December’s wind is bitter
December's moon is cold
December's gem is turquoise
December’s year is old
December’s sun is cool
December’s water is ice
December’s number is twelve
December smells of spice
December’s season is winter
December’s green is holly
December’s season is festive
December people are jolly
December’s shops are full
December’s shows are on
December’s drink is eggnog
December smells of cinnamon
December’s days are short
December’s nights are long
December’s tone is joy
December sings a Christmas song
REUSE OR NOT REUSE
The world is split into two distinct groups those who reuse the wrapping paper and those who don’t.
My mum was a recycler so was my grandma as for myself I am a shredder, which means I rip the paper to shreds.
It’s a technique I learned when I was six years old and I still do it now I’m forty eight.
THREE WISE ONES Reprised
The three wise men
Traveled for days before reaching Bethlehem
And arrived after the birth
They stood and viewed the scene in awe
And knelt reverently in the lords presence
Then gave their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
The three wise women
Would have stopped to ask directions
And arrived before the birth
They would have delivered the baby
Then they would have cleaned the stable and cooked a meal
Before giving the baby really useful gifts
The three wise women
Leaving Bethlehem would be heard to say
“A virgin not likely, I know the family”
“That baby looks more like the shepherd than Joseph”
“Only a drama queen would choose to give birth in a stable”
“That Joseph is on the social you know”
“Well a lift home would have been nice”
“That angel was really snooty”
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 10
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Words by Philips Brooks and Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where Misery cries out to Thee,
Son of the Mother mild;
Where Charity stands watching,
And Faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us we pray!
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us to-day.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O, come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2004
The Cassini orbiter launched the Huygens probe towards titan, Saturn's moon.
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM INDIA
India (Bengali)
Shuvo Naba Barsha
India (Hindi)
Shub Naya Baras
India (Marathi)
Shub Naya Varsh
India (Urdu)
Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
NORWEGIAN GIFT
A gift arrives each year
From across the sea
A gift from the people of Oslo
An annual gift of a Christmas tree
Given with gratitude
To stand in Trafalgar square
Received with pride
By those of us who care
A symbol of friendship
Given to us each Christmas
A token as a gift of thanks
Sent from Norway for us
BUMPER CHRISTMAS
All the sights and sounds
And all the tastes and smells
Make me love Christmas
All the carollers singing
And all the lights twinkling
Make me love Christmas
But there is one thing
More than any other
That makes me love Christmas
The bumper Radio Times
First going on sale
That makes me love Christmas
Friday 18 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 4
CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS
Christmas, Christmas,
A time of peace and joy
When God gave us his son
Jesus the holy infant boy
But kids don’t think of Jesus
They just want the latest toy
Christmas, Christmas,
When God gave us a saviour
A redeemer for all the world
Now it is the season of plethora
When the rich can feel richer
And the poor just feel the poorer
Christmas, Christmas,
God was your sacrifice in vain
When you gave the world your son
Only to see his body slain
If only we had not lost our way
Will we be better when he comes again?
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1976
Takeo Fukuda became the Japanese premier.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)
It's Christmas break and the sorority sisters are making plans for the upcoming holiday But their Christmas spirit is diminished by strange anonymous phone calls, before one of the sisters, Clare, disappears. But when they report it to the police their concerns are dismissed.
While all this is going on another Sister Jess (Olivia Hussey) is planning to get an abortion much against the wishes of her boyfriend Peter played by Keir Dullea.
Could he possibly be behind the crank calls and the disappearance?
The police finally share the girls concerns when a 13-year-old girl is found dead in the park and they wiretap the sorority house.
The tension is palpable as you wait to see if the girls will outlast the killer.
But Margot Kidder who plays the Barb, the drunken sister with the inappropriate turn of phrase, steals the show in this enjoyable if unconventional Christmas tale.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS # 3
I only want one Christmas gift
It’s the only Christmas wish I’ve wished
I just want to know all the names
Of the girls on the naughty list
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 5
Quite a few singers have had their first releases on Christmas day
In 1912 it was Tony Martin, 1932 rock and roll legend Little Richard, singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett in 1946 two years later in 1948 it was the turn of actress and singer Barbara Mandrell. UB40 singer and guitarist Robin Campbell was born on Christmas day 1954 as was Annie Lennox, singer with the Eurythmics, then on the holy day in 1971 it was the singer Dido.
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
In an Ethiopian Christmas gift giving plays a very small part in the festivities.
Ethiopian Children will receive a present but it is something very simple and is more often or not an item of clothing.
CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE WORKHOUSE # 1
It’s Christmas Eve in the workhouse,
And not a hint of the seasons in sight
No stockings hang by the fire side
They’ll be no treats in store tonight
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1974
Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, Australia causing unprecedented damage.
CHRISTMAS SCENE
Snow blankets the ground
Lights twinkle and flash and chase
Reds, blues, white
From Chimney pot
To garden gate
Lights of every hue
And a five foot plastic Winnie the Pooh
Santa’s, elves and reindeer
Stand guard on front lawns
Neon signs point the way for Santa
A typical scene now you might think
Could be anywhere in the world
The only thing to give away the location
Is the fact it’s still November
So welcome to
Christmas in Chav land
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 15
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my fifteenth selection.
"Christmas Dream" written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice with German lyrics by Andre Heller and Performed by Perry Como & The London Boy Singers
Watch me now, here I go, all I need’s a little snow!
Starts me off, sets the theme,
helps me dream my Christmas dream,
Every year I dream it, hoping things will change,
An end to the crying, the shouting, the dying,
And I hope you will dream it too!
It’s Christmas,
Remember?
We’ve got to remember!
So, light the light, I’m home tonight,
I need you to warm me, to calm me, to love me!
To help me to dream my Christmas dream!
Crazy things, said an’ done,
Every single day but one!
Every night should, I believe,
Be the same as Christmas Eve,
Nights should all be silent,
Days should all slow down,
An end to the hurry, the noise and the worry!
And I hope you believe that too!
It’s Christmas,
Remember?
Does no one remember?
The whole world needs, a Christmas dream,
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
To help us to dream our Christmas dream!
Lüge dirigiert die Welt, Ehrlichkeit bringt selten Geld,
Jeder möcht' Sieger sein, wer verliert bleibt ganz allein;
Doch manch Will' ist möglich durch die Fantasie
Du stirbst um zu leben und nimmst um zu geben;)
Einmal im Jahr wird alles wahr
Zu Weihnacht vergiss nicht,
Vergiss es gewiss nicht.
The whole world needs, a Christmas dream,
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
To help us to dream our Christmas dream!
CHRISTMAS HILL PARK
Christmas Hill Park is near Gilroy, California and boasts a large amphitheater and an extensive network of paved and dirt trails for bikes and walkers alike.
WATCH OUT
Watch out, watch out
There’s a letch about
He’s stalked you all year long
Amidst the office throng
Watch out for Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
Who’s been waiting all year long
With a desire so strong
Watch out, watch out
There’s a letch about
Who wants to hold you in embrace
And kiss your pretty face
Watch out for Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
As he looks at you all agog
Intent upon a snog
So when old Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
Grabs you under the mistletoe
Just tell him where to go
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1971
The Worst hotel fire in history killed 163 people at the Taeyokale Hotel in the South Korean capital Seoul.
THE VIRGIN MARTYR
St Lucia was a virgin martyr and one of the most illustrious figures in the Christian world she was honored in Rome during the 6th century and her relics are preserved in Venice.
IFS AND BUTS
If ifs, and buts and maybes
Were chocs and nuts and candies
Then you would have to concede
You’d have a wonderful Christmas indeed
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 16
ZITHER CAROL Lyrics written by Sir Malcolm Sargent to Traditional Bohemian Music
Girls and boys - Leave your toys - Make no noise
Kneel at his crib and worship him
At thy shrine - Child divine - We are thine
Our Savior's here
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
All must draw near
On that day - Far away - Jesus lay
Angels were watching 'round his head
Holy Child - Mother mild - Undefiled
We sing thy praise
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Our hearts we raise
Shepherds came - At the fame - Of thy name
Angels their guide to Bethlehem
In that place - Filled with grace - Saw thy face
Stood at the door
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Love evermore
Wise men too - Haste to do - Homage new
Gold, myrrh and frankincense they bring
As 'twas said - Starlight led - To thy bed
Bending their knee
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Worshipping thee
Oh, that we - All might be - Good as he
Spotless, with God in unity
Savior dear - Ever near - With us here
Since life began
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
God head made man
Cherubim - Seraphim - Worship him
Sun, moon and stars proclaim his power
Every day - On our way - we shall say
Hallelujah
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Hallelujah
CHRISTMAS DAYS
Christmas days
Holidays
Spiritual and Holy days
Christmas days
Holidays
Mistletoe and holly days
Christmas days
Holidays
Candy canes and lolly days
Christmas days
Holidays
Spiritual and Holy days
Christmas days
Holidays
Jovial and Jolly days
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM ANCIENT LANDS
Latin
Natale hilare et Annum Faustum
Low Saxon
Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Occitan (medieval Southern France)
Pulit nadal e bona annado
Persia (Farsi)
Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Rhetian (Of the Rhetian Alps now Tyrol)
Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1896
John Philip Sousa wrote "Stars & Stripes Forever".
COUNT ON IT
If you are constantly worrying
About over indulging
During the festive season
Then there really is no reason
It is a well known fact you see
That you can fully enjoy the festivities
And relax and not stress or fuss
Because calories don't count at Christmas
Christmas, Christmas,
A time of peace and joy
When God gave us his son
Jesus the holy infant boy
But kids don’t think of Jesus
They just want the latest toy
Christmas, Christmas,
When God gave us a saviour
A redeemer for all the world
Now it is the season of plethora
When the rich can feel richer
And the poor just feel the poorer
Christmas, Christmas,
God was your sacrifice in vain
When you gave the world your son
Only to see his body slain
If only we had not lost our way
Will we be better when he comes again?
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1976
Takeo Fukuda became the Japanese premier.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)
It's Christmas break and the sorority sisters are making plans for the upcoming holiday But their Christmas spirit is diminished by strange anonymous phone calls, before one of the sisters, Clare, disappears. But when they report it to the police their concerns are dismissed.
While all this is going on another Sister Jess (Olivia Hussey) is planning to get an abortion much against the wishes of her boyfriend Peter played by Keir Dullea.
Could he possibly be behind the crank calls and the disappearance?
The police finally share the girls concerns when a 13-year-old girl is found dead in the park and they wiretap the sorority house.
The tension is palpable as you wait to see if the girls will outlast the killer.
But Margot Kidder who plays the Barb, the drunken sister with the inappropriate turn of phrase, steals the show in this enjoyable if unconventional Christmas tale.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS # 3
I only want one Christmas gift
It’s the only Christmas wish I’ve wished
I just want to know all the names
Of the girls on the naughty list
BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY # 5
Quite a few singers have had their first releases on Christmas day
In 1912 it was Tony Martin, 1932 rock and roll legend Little Richard, singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett in 1946 two years later in 1948 it was the turn of actress and singer Barbara Mandrell. UB40 singer and guitarist Robin Campbell was born on Christmas day 1954 as was Annie Lennox, singer with the Eurythmics, then on the holy day in 1971 it was the singer Dido.
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
In an Ethiopian Christmas gift giving plays a very small part in the festivities.
Ethiopian Children will receive a present but it is something very simple and is more often or not an item of clothing.
CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE WORKHOUSE # 1
It’s Christmas Eve in the workhouse,
And not a hint of the seasons in sight
No stockings hang by the fire side
They’ll be no treats in store tonight
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1974
Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, Australia causing unprecedented damage.
CHRISTMAS SCENE
Snow blankets the ground
Lights twinkle and flash and chase
Reds, blues, white
From Chimney pot
To garden gate
Lights of every hue
And a five foot plastic Winnie the Pooh
Santa’s, elves and reindeer
Stand guard on front lawns
Neon signs point the way for Santa
A typical scene now you might think
Could be anywhere in the world
The only thing to give away the location
Is the fact it’s still November
So welcome to
Christmas in Chav land
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 15
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my fifteenth selection.
"Christmas Dream" written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice with German lyrics by Andre Heller and Performed by Perry Como & The London Boy Singers
Watch me now, here I go, all I need’s a little snow!
Starts me off, sets the theme,
helps me dream my Christmas dream,
Every year I dream it, hoping things will change,
An end to the crying, the shouting, the dying,
And I hope you will dream it too!
It’s Christmas,
Remember?
We’ve got to remember!
So, light the light, I’m home tonight,
I need you to warm me, to calm me, to love me!
To help me to dream my Christmas dream!
Crazy things, said an’ done,
Every single day but one!
Every night should, I believe,
Be the same as Christmas Eve,
Nights should all be silent,
Days should all slow down,
An end to the hurry, the noise and the worry!
And I hope you believe that too!
It’s Christmas,
Remember?
Does no one remember?
The whole world needs, a Christmas dream,
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
To help us to dream our Christmas dream!
Lüge dirigiert die Welt, Ehrlichkeit bringt selten Geld,
Jeder möcht' Sieger sein, wer verliert bleibt ganz allein;
Doch manch Will' ist möglich durch die Fantasie
Du stirbst um zu leben und nimmst um zu geben;)
Einmal im Jahr wird alles wahr
Zu Weihnacht vergiss nicht,
Vergiss es gewiss nicht.
The whole world needs, a Christmas dream,
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
We need it to warm us, to calm us, to love us . . .
To help us to dream our Christmas dream!
CHRISTMAS HILL PARK
Christmas Hill Park is near Gilroy, California and boasts a large amphitheater and an extensive network of paved and dirt trails for bikes and walkers alike.
WATCH OUT
Watch out, watch out
There’s a letch about
He’s stalked you all year long
Amidst the office throng
Watch out for Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
Who’s been waiting all year long
With a desire so strong
Watch out, watch out
There’s a letch about
Who wants to hold you in embrace
And kiss your pretty face
Watch out for Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
As he looks at you all agog
Intent upon a snog
So when old Mr. Ross
Your lecherous boss
Grabs you under the mistletoe
Just tell him where to go
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1971
The Worst hotel fire in history killed 163 people at the Taeyokale Hotel in the South Korean capital Seoul.
THE VIRGIN MARTYR
St Lucia was a virgin martyr and one of the most illustrious figures in the Christian world she was honored in Rome during the 6th century and her relics are preserved in Venice.
IFS AND BUTS
If ifs, and buts and maybes
Were chocs and nuts and candies
Then you would have to concede
You’d have a wonderful Christmas indeed
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 16
ZITHER CAROL Lyrics written by Sir Malcolm Sargent to Traditional Bohemian Music
Girls and boys - Leave your toys - Make no noise
Kneel at his crib and worship him
At thy shrine - Child divine - We are thine
Our Savior's here
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
All must draw near
On that day - Far away - Jesus lay
Angels were watching 'round his head
Holy Child - Mother mild - Undefiled
We sing thy praise
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Our hearts we raise
Shepherds came - At the fame - Of thy name
Angels their guide to Bethlehem
In that place - Filled with grace - Saw thy face
Stood at the door
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Love evermore
Wise men too - Haste to do - Homage new
Gold, myrrh and frankincense they bring
As 'twas said - Starlight led - To thy bed
Bending their knee
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Worshipping thee
Oh, that we - All might be - Good as he
Spotless, with God in unity
Savior dear - Ever near - With us here
Since life began
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
God head made man
Cherubim - Seraphim - Worship him
Sun, moon and stars proclaim his power
Every day - On our way - we shall say
Hallelujah
Chorus:
"Hallelujah" the church bells ring
"Hallelujah" the angels sing
"Hallelujah" from everything
Hallelujah
CHRISTMAS DAYS
Christmas days
Holidays
Spiritual and Holy days
Christmas days
Holidays
Mistletoe and holly days
Christmas days
Holidays
Candy canes and lolly days
Christmas days
Holidays
Spiritual and Holy days
Christmas days
Holidays
Jovial and Jolly days
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM ANCIENT LANDS
Latin
Natale hilare et Annum Faustum
Low Saxon
Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Occitan (medieval Southern France)
Pulit nadal e bona annado
Persia (Farsi)
Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Rhetian (Of the Rhetian Alps now Tyrol)
Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1896
John Philip Sousa wrote "Stars & Stripes Forever".
COUNT ON IT
If you are constantly worrying
About over indulging
During the festive season
Then there really is no reason
It is a well known fact you see
That you can fully enjoy the festivities
And relax and not stress or fuss
Because calories don't count at Christmas
Stocking Stuffers # 3
CHRISTMAS IS THE HARDEST TIME
Christmas is the hardest time
When in the bosom of kith and kin
Amidst the exited chatter
And rustle of discarded paper
Punctuated by the joyous laughter of children
And over exited grown ups
I made all the right noises
As I wore my painful smile
I opened my presents when prompted
“Oh isn’t that lovely” I cooed
“That’s just what I wanted” I lied
But what I actually wanted
Was to be somewhere else
Where there was no need of false delight
Or insincere thankful exclamations
Anywhere else but there
They are well meaning souls
Who thought to help me,
By including my in their joyous celebrations
But they don’t understand my grief
Or the empty ache of a shattered heart
Each innocent Christmas ritual cut me like a knife
The familiar songs, once loved, now hurt
And each merry Christmas was a fresh cut
Losing you, my partner in life
Was like having a conjoined twin cut away
And among that happy crowd
My loneliness was most keenly felt
When all the excitement died away
I sat in silent contemplation
When sweet memories of happier days
Flooded into my mind to torture me
I hide it from the crowd
Keeping the pain and sorrow within
But so intertwined were our lives
I am left incomplete
I am in torment every day for the want of you
But Christmas is the hardest time
POLITICAL FIGURES BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Muhammed Ali Jinnah, first Governor-General of Pakistan 1876
Anwar Sadat, Egyptian president 1918
Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India 1924
Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian senator 1961
ITS CHRISTMAS WHEN
Its Christmas when
Outside its cold and snowing
But away from the cold
Malls are full to overflowing
And all the children’s faces
Are happy and glowing
Its Christmas when
Noddy Holder screams
Its Christmas when
Its time to fulfil dreams
When life just may be
As wonderful as it seems
Its Christmas when
All the gifts are picked
The cards are written
The stamps are licked
And all the Christmas lists
Have all been neatly ticked
Its Christmas when
All are safely home within
Everything has been prepared
The kiddies are all tucked in
Then mums and dads sit back
And festivities can begin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – MATCHMAKER SANTA
Matchmaker Santa is a delightful Christmas Romantic comedy in which
Santa Claus in the form of Chris (Donavon Scott) sets out to fulfil a long term Christmas wish, made when Melanie was a little girl, to find her, her own Prince Charming.
The grown up Melanie (Lacey Chabert) however is getting serious with Justin (Thad Luckinbill) until Chris intervenes to steer her in the direction of Dean (Adam Mayfield).
Apart from the main characters Florence Henderson is a delight as the wonderfully scatty hotel clerk and John Ratzenberger cameos as the laid back inept auto mechanic.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1947
The Constitution of the Republic of China went into effect.
CHRISTMAS IN LALIBELA
On Christmas Eve the city of Lalibela In Ethiopia is packed with pilgrims from the four corners of the country.
They spend the whole night outside praying and chanting and then on Christmas morning they form into a colorful procession which is led by Three young men, lashing whips left and right as it makes its way to a nearby hilltop where a special service takes place.
The congregation is fed with bread and wine blessed by priests then when the service is over the remainder of the day is spent feasting, dancing and playing or watching sport.
CHRISTMAS FOLLY
Merriment abounds
And music fills the air
And in the cosy room
I’d hoped to see you there
Friends and loved ones
Surround me, old and new
I wished that one of them
Might have been you
Outside its cold
On this Christmas Eve
When the party's over
I won’t want to leave
But I will head home
Trudging through the snow
And in my loneliness
I’ll wonder how I let you go
AN ARDENNES CHRISTMAS
The next time you’re whining on about what a crap Christmas you had because your mother in law over did it on the sherry and told everyone what she really thinks about you or when your wife’s uncle Stan spent Christmas afternoon asleep on the sofa breaking wind with monotonous regularity.
Or your brothers new girlfriend who kept hitting on your wife or your Gran who said “just a small dinner for me I don’t have much of an appetite” then spent the afternoon eating all the chocolate Brazils.
If this strikes a chord think again and Spare a thought for the half a million or so men of the allied forces and six hundred thousand Germans who spent Christmas 1944 outside in the snow in the Ardennes forest during the battle of the bulge.
Men like My father sheltering in foxholes scratched out of the frozen earth with no hot food or drink.
Unable to light fires for fear of giving their position away and regularly coming under enemy fire or being shelled
Then once you’ve hewn out a decent sized foxhole and settled down into it out of the icy wind an order comes down the line to move out and you move a hundred yards or less and dig another hole.
Go and tell your petty gripe's to them and see if you get any sympathy.
HE SLEEPS A KINGLY SLEEP
Oh prince of peace
Humbly lain on hay
Born to the world
On this special day
Shepherds, beasts
And kings of earth
Pay homage
At the saviours birth
While the Christ child
With angelic face
Sleeps a kingly sleep
In this humble place
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1950
The Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, was stolen from Westminster Abbey and smuggled back to Scotland.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 11
THE COVENTRY CAROL
Music and lyrics traditional
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Herod, the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young to slay.
That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever mourn and sigh,
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
I COULD BE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
I could be your Christmas tree,
Strung with tinsel and lit, brightly
You can trim me with ribbons and bows
Baubles and bells anything goes
I shall be greeted with gasps and wows
And you can hide gifts beneath my boughs
You wont regret it if you buy me
So let me be your Christmas tree
INSCRIBED
In the cemetery of St. John in Syracuse, Sicily an early inscription to Lucia has recently been discovered.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1953
An Avalanche of lava killed 150 people after the volcano Ruapehu erupted in New Zealand.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 14
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my fourteenth selection.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane Performed by Katie Melua
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now
CHRISTMAS HILL
Christmas Hill is situated in the Silverton Hills of Oregon where you will find the Christmas Hill tree farm which perhaps naturally specializes in the production of conifers grown commercially for the Christmas tree market.
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM ASIA
Afghanistan (Pushto)
Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Bahasa Malaysia
Selamat Hari Natal
China (Cantonese)
Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
China (Mandarin)
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Indonesia
Selamat Hari Natal
Japan
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korea
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island)
Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Sri Lanka (Singhalese)
Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Thailand
Sawadee Pee Mai
Vietnam
Chung Mung Giang Sinh
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 a
Despite bitter opposition United States President Andrew Johnson granted unconditional pardons to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 2
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the flat,
Not a creature was stirring not even the cat
The mince pies had been eaten every one and all
And the dog had thrown up on the carpet in the hall
CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE SEA
I am of occidental origin
And I should make it clear
That I have lived all my life
In the northern hemisphere
And every year, except this one
I’ve spent Christmas in blighty
This year, I was invited to my daughters
I tried to decline, politely
She doesn’t live in Britain
But in the land of the kangaroo
Christmas day in high summer
Oh what an awful to-do
The hot sun was like the Grinch
Not a cloud in the sky since dawn
It ruined the day for me
And it made the eggnog warm
Flies buzzed round the turkey
My hat was stuck to my head
No queen’s speech on the telly
I wish I’d stayed home instead
Christmas is the hardest time
When in the bosom of kith and kin
Amidst the exited chatter
And rustle of discarded paper
Punctuated by the joyous laughter of children
And over exited grown ups
I made all the right noises
As I wore my painful smile
I opened my presents when prompted
“Oh isn’t that lovely” I cooed
“That’s just what I wanted” I lied
But what I actually wanted
Was to be somewhere else
Where there was no need of false delight
Or insincere thankful exclamations
Anywhere else but there
They are well meaning souls
Who thought to help me,
By including my in their joyous celebrations
But they don’t understand my grief
Or the empty ache of a shattered heart
Each innocent Christmas ritual cut me like a knife
The familiar songs, once loved, now hurt
And each merry Christmas was a fresh cut
Losing you, my partner in life
Was like having a conjoined twin cut away
And among that happy crowd
My loneliness was most keenly felt
When all the excitement died away
I sat in silent contemplation
When sweet memories of happier days
Flooded into my mind to torture me
I hide it from the crowd
Keeping the pain and sorrow within
But so intertwined were our lives
I am left incomplete
I am in torment every day for the want of you
But Christmas is the hardest time
POLITICAL FIGURES BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Muhammed Ali Jinnah, first Governor-General of Pakistan 1876
Anwar Sadat, Egyptian president 1918
Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India 1924
Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian senator 1961
ITS CHRISTMAS WHEN
Its Christmas when
Outside its cold and snowing
But away from the cold
Malls are full to overflowing
And all the children’s faces
Are happy and glowing
Its Christmas when
Noddy Holder screams
Its Christmas when
Its time to fulfil dreams
When life just may be
As wonderful as it seems
Its Christmas when
All the gifts are picked
The cards are written
The stamps are licked
And all the Christmas lists
Have all been neatly ticked
Its Christmas when
All are safely home within
Everything has been prepared
The kiddies are all tucked in
Then mums and dads sit back
And festivities can begin
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – MATCHMAKER SANTA
Matchmaker Santa is a delightful Christmas Romantic comedy in which
Santa Claus in the form of Chris (Donavon Scott) sets out to fulfil a long term Christmas wish, made when Melanie was a little girl, to find her, her own Prince Charming.
The grown up Melanie (Lacey Chabert) however is getting serious with Justin (Thad Luckinbill) until Chris intervenes to steer her in the direction of Dean (Adam Mayfield).
Apart from the main characters Florence Henderson is a delight as the wonderfully scatty hotel clerk and John Ratzenberger cameos as the laid back inept auto mechanic.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1947
The Constitution of the Republic of China went into effect.
CHRISTMAS IN LALIBELA
On Christmas Eve the city of Lalibela In Ethiopia is packed with pilgrims from the four corners of the country.
They spend the whole night outside praying and chanting and then on Christmas morning they form into a colorful procession which is led by Three young men, lashing whips left and right as it makes its way to a nearby hilltop where a special service takes place.
The congregation is fed with bread and wine blessed by priests then when the service is over the remainder of the day is spent feasting, dancing and playing or watching sport.
CHRISTMAS FOLLY
Merriment abounds
And music fills the air
And in the cosy room
I’d hoped to see you there
Friends and loved ones
Surround me, old and new
I wished that one of them
Might have been you
Outside its cold
On this Christmas Eve
When the party's over
I won’t want to leave
But I will head home
Trudging through the snow
And in my loneliness
I’ll wonder how I let you go
AN ARDENNES CHRISTMAS
The next time you’re whining on about what a crap Christmas you had because your mother in law over did it on the sherry and told everyone what she really thinks about you or when your wife’s uncle Stan spent Christmas afternoon asleep on the sofa breaking wind with monotonous regularity.
Or your brothers new girlfriend who kept hitting on your wife or your Gran who said “just a small dinner for me I don’t have much of an appetite” then spent the afternoon eating all the chocolate Brazils.
If this strikes a chord think again and Spare a thought for the half a million or so men of the allied forces and six hundred thousand Germans who spent Christmas 1944 outside in the snow in the Ardennes forest during the battle of the bulge.
Men like My father sheltering in foxholes scratched out of the frozen earth with no hot food or drink.
Unable to light fires for fear of giving their position away and regularly coming under enemy fire or being shelled
Then once you’ve hewn out a decent sized foxhole and settled down into it out of the icy wind an order comes down the line to move out and you move a hundred yards or less and dig another hole.
Go and tell your petty gripe's to them and see if you get any sympathy.
HE SLEEPS A KINGLY SLEEP
Oh prince of peace
Humbly lain on hay
Born to the world
On this special day
Shepherds, beasts
And kings of earth
Pay homage
At the saviours birth
While the Christ child
With angelic face
Sleeps a kingly sleep
In this humble place
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1950
The Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, was stolen from Westminster Abbey and smuggled back to Scotland.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 11
THE COVENTRY CAROL
Music and lyrics traditional
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Herod, the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young to slay.
That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever mourn and sigh,
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
I COULD BE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
I could be your Christmas tree,
Strung with tinsel and lit, brightly
You can trim me with ribbons and bows
Baubles and bells anything goes
I shall be greeted with gasps and wows
And you can hide gifts beneath my boughs
You wont regret it if you buy me
So let me be your Christmas tree
INSCRIBED
In the cemetery of St. John in Syracuse, Sicily an early inscription to Lucia has recently been discovered.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1953
An Avalanche of lava killed 150 people after the volcano Ruapehu erupted in New Zealand.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 14
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my fourteenth selection.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane Performed by Katie Melua
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now
CHRISTMAS HILL
Christmas Hill is situated in the Silverton Hills of Oregon where you will find the Christmas Hill tree farm which perhaps naturally specializes in the production of conifers grown commercially for the Christmas tree market.
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM ASIA
Afghanistan (Pushto)
Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Bahasa Malaysia
Selamat Hari Natal
China (Cantonese)
Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
China (Mandarin)
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Indonesia
Selamat Hari Natal
Japan
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korea
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island)
Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Sri Lanka (Singhalese)
Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Thailand
Sawadee Pee Mai
Vietnam
Chung Mung Giang Sinh
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1868 a
Despite bitter opposition United States President Andrew Johnson granted unconditional pardons to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 2
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the flat,
Not a creature was stirring not even the cat
The mince pies had been eaten every one and all
And the dog had thrown up on the carpet in the hall
CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE SEA
I am of occidental origin
And I should make it clear
That I have lived all my life
In the northern hemisphere
And every year, except this one
I’ve spent Christmas in blighty
This year, I was invited to my daughters
I tried to decline, politely
She doesn’t live in Britain
But in the land of the kangaroo
Christmas day in high summer
Oh what an awful to-do
The hot sun was like the Grinch
Not a cloud in the sky since dawn
It ruined the day for me
And it made the eggnog warm
Flies buzzed round the turkey
My hat was stuck to my head
No queen’s speech on the telly
I wish I’d stayed home instead
Wednesday 16 November 2016
Stocking Stuffers # 2
MELCHIOR, CASPAR AND BALTHAZAR
Three kings from the east
Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar
Enlightened kings of wisdom
On their great quest travelled far
Three wise men from the east
Who followed a bright star
Three kings bearing gifts
Gold, frankincense and myrrh
Three kings from the east
Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar
Three kings of great wealth
Bowed low before the saviour
ROBIN
Crimson breasted
Perching on a gate
Robin red breast
Looking for a mate
A hardy suitor
Courting and wooing
Proudly displaying
In ritual pursuing
Trying to impress
To attract a wife
So in the spring
There’d be new life
And for his efforts
Amidst winter hard
He gets to appear
On a Christmas card
SYMBOLIC
The symbol of St Thomas is the builder's square, which comes from an ancient story that built a palace for King Guduphara in India.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS 2007
10 year old Jesse Armstrong (Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak) is anxious to help his struggling widowed mom Sara (Gail O'Grady) so he enters a national video contest.
His entry “All I Want for Christmas is a Husband for my Mom” wins the contest which then has unforeseen consequences as Sara is vaulted into the national spotlight and dazzled into accepting a proposal from a wealthy man Roger Nelson (Greg Germann) who she doesn’t love.
Family friend and neighbour Ben Grant (Robert Mailhouse) is the real romantic interest and a suitable father figure for Jesse in this enjoyable Christmas RomCom.
ON THE EVE
A hearty Christmas greeting
Merry Christmas to one and all
Tonight excitement fills the air
The night Santa comes to call
With gifts galore for everyone
To be piled high beneath the tree
Christmas Eve anticipation never fails
To fills our hearts with glee
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1939
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was introduced by Montgomery Ward stores to become the 9th reindeer.
A GAME OF GANNA
Ganna is the name for an Ethiopian Christmas but the name originated as a form of hockey with sticks and ball which the shepherds played while awaiting news of the savior’s birth.
The game of Ganna is still played today and forms a big part of the Christmas day festivities.
WRITTEN WARNING
Beware of what you write
In your Christmas letter to Santa
Ask yourself if you’ve been good
But be honest when you answer
If you’re naughty and say you’re nice
Santa may erupt with laughter
He may even laugh so violently
That you end up killing Santa
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE OLD RUSSIAN REPUBLIC
Armenia
Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azerbaijan (Azeri)
Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Estonia
Ruumsaid juulup|hi
Latvia (Lettish)
Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Latvia
Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu
Lithuania
Linksmu Kaledu
Russia
Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Ukraine
Srozhdestvom Kristovym
SAVIOUR, AT YOUR BIRTH
Saviour, at your birth
The angels softly sang
Heralding your arrival
To save the fate of man
Now your birthday is near
We hear the church bells rang
Calling your children hither
To sing the thanks of man
WHILE BROKERS WATCHED THEIR STOCK BY NIGHT
While brokers watched
Their stock by night
In the heart of London town
The angel of the Lord came down
And turned off the power
And turned off the power
While brokers looked
Into their blank monitors
Stop messing she was bade
There’s lots of money to be made
Turn on the bloody power
Turn on the bloody power
You seem to be missing
The true meaning of Christmas
The angel calmly explained
In the darkness of the exchange
They did not listen to her
They wanted only power
I am not hear for god
I am hear at my own bidding
The angel was ranting and raving
You lost my bloody savings
When they told to her the risks
She fried them to a crisp
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 12
IN DULCI JUBILO
Words by Heinrich Suso and Traditional Music
In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage show
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O!
O Jesu parvule,
My heart is sore for Thee
Hear me, I beseech Thee
O puer optime
My praying let it reach Thee!
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te.
O patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia,
Qualis gloria!
Ubi sunt gaudia,
If that they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica;
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 1
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the house,
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse
As earlier that night with the aid of cheese and a trap
I bad Mr. Mouse Merry Christmas as the spring went snap
NICHOLAS PATRON SAINT OF
St Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint against imprisonment, against robberies and robbers he is also patron of apothecaries, bakers, barrel makers, boatmen, boot blacks, boys, brewers, brides, captives, children, coopers, dock workers, druggists and fishermen.
Also the patron saint of Greece, the Greek Catholic Church in America, the Greek Catholic Union, grooms, judges, and lawsuits lost unjustly, longshoremen, Lorraine, maidens, mariners, merchants, murderers, newlyweds, old maids, parish clerks and paupers.
As well as pawnbrokers, perfumeries, perfumers, pharmacists, pilgrims, poor people, Portsmouth England, prisoners, Russia, sailors, scholars, schoolchildren, shoe shiners, Sicily, spinsters, students, thieves, travelers, unmarried girls and watermen
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1941
Japan announced the surrender of the British-Canadian garrison in Hong Kong to the forces of Japan.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 13
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my thirteenth selection.
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas" written by Meredith Wilson. Performed by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben;
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen;
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well,
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
Sure it's Christmas once more.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1837
The United States forces defeated the Seminole Indians at the Battle of Okeechobee.
CAROL OF THE BELLS
Pulled with violence
To break the silence
Choring, drawing
Mechanism priming
Ready for chiming
Banging, clanging
Momentum gaining
Timbers straining
Creaking, speaking
Mechanical timing
With rhythm climbing
Swaying, obeying
The peel resounding
A sound astounding
Ringing, singing
The call goes out
Around and about
Voicing, rejoicing
Come says the calling
Come one and all in
Morning, morning
Christ born this day
The Christmas bells say
Rejoicing, rejoicing
REPRESENTING ST LUCY
St Lucy is represented by cord, eyes on a dish, lamp, swords, and as a woman hitched to a yoke of oxen
She is also represented as a woman in the company of Saint Agatha, or Saint Agnes of Rome, Barbara, Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Thecla and finally as woman kneeling before the tomb of Saint Agatha.
CHUCKLING WITH DELIGHT
Chuckling with delight
At the twinkling tree lights
You giggle and smile
And yet all the while
You really don’t know
Why your sweet face is aglow
And you gurgle excitedly
At everything you see
It’s a very special time
When Christmas bells chime
And Santa’s on his way
With presents on his sleigh
For every little lad and lass
To have a special Christmas
But for you my darling one
Just enjoying all the fun
Chuckling with delight
At the twinkling tree lights
When Santa comes this way
It’s for your first Christmas Day
Three kings from the east
Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar
Enlightened kings of wisdom
On their great quest travelled far
Three wise men from the east
Who followed a bright star
Three kings bearing gifts
Gold, frankincense and myrrh
Three kings from the east
Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar
Three kings of great wealth
Bowed low before the saviour
ROBIN
Crimson breasted
Perching on a gate
Robin red breast
Looking for a mate
A hardy suitor
Courting and wooing
Proudly displaying
In ritual pursuing
Trying to impress
To attract a wife
So in the spring
There’d be new life
And for his efforts
Amidst winter hard
He gets to appear
On a Christmas card
SYMBOLIC
The symbol of St Thomas is the builder's square, which comes from an ancient story that built a palace for King Guduphara in India.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS 2007
10 year old Jesse Armstrong (Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchak) is anxious to help his struggling widowed mom Sara (Gail O'Grady) so he enters a national video contest.
His entry “All I Want for Christmas is a Husband for my Mom” wins the contest which then has unforeseen consequences as Sara is vaulted into the national spotlight and dazzled into accepting a proposal from a wealthy man Roger Nelson (Greg Germann) who she doesn’t love.
Family friend and neighbour Ben Grant (Robert Mailhouse) is the real romantic interest and a suitable father figure for Jesse in this enjoyable Christmas RomCom.
ON THE EVE
A hearty Christmas greeting
Merry Christmas to one and all
Tonight excitement fills the air
The night Santa comes to call
With gifts galore for everyone
To be piled high beneath the tree
Christmas Eve anticipation never fails
To fills our hearts with glee
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1939
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was introduced by Montgomery Ward stores to become the 9th reindeer.
A GAME OF GANNA
Ganna is the name for an Ethiopian Christmas but the name originated as a form of hockey with sticks and ball which the shepherds played while awaiting news of the savior’s birth.
The game of Ganna is still played today and forms a big part of the Christmas day festivities.
WRITTEN WARNING
Beware of what you write
In your Christmas letter to Santa
Ask yourself if you’ve been good
But be honest when you answer
If you’re naughty and say you’re nice
Santa may erupt with laughter
He may even laugh so violently
That you end up killing Santa
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE OLD RUSSIAN REPUBLIC
Armenia
Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azerbaijan (Azeri)
Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Estonia
Ruumsaid juulup|hi
Latvia (Lettish)
Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Latvia
Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu
Lithuania
Linksmu Kaledu
Russia
Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Ukraine
Srozhdestvom Kristovym
SAVIOUR, AT YOUR BIRTH
Saviour, at your birth
The angels softly sang
Heralding your arrival
To save the fate of man
Now your birthday is near
We hear the church bells rang
Calling your children hither
To sing the thanks of man
WHILE BROKERS WATCHED THEIR STOCK BY NIGHT
While brokers watched
Their stock by night
In the heart of London town
The angel of the Lord came down
And turned off the power
And turned off the power
While brokers looked
Into their blank monitors
Stop messing she was bade
There’s lots of money to be made
Turn on the bloody power
Turn on the bloody power
You seem to be missing
The true meaning of Christmas
The angel calmly explained
In the darkness of the exchange
They did not listen to her
They wanted only power
I am not hear for god
I am hear at my own bidding
The angel was ranting and raving
You lost my bloody savings
When they told to her the risks
She fried them to a crisp
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL # 12
IN DULCI JUBILO
Words by Heinrich Suso and Traditional Music
In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage show
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O!
O Jesu parvule,
My heart is sore for Thee
Hear me, I beseech Thee
O puer optime
My praying let it reach Thee!
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te.
O patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia,
Qualis gloria!
Ubi sunt gaudia,
If that they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica;
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS # 1
Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the house,
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse
As earlier that night with the aid of cheese and a trap
I bad Mr. Mouse Merry Christmas as the spring went snap
NICHOLAS PATRON SAINT OF
St Nicholas of Myra is the patron saint against imprisonment, against robberies and robbers he is also patron of apothecaries, bakers, barrel makers, boatmen, boot blacks, boys, brewers, brides, captives, children, coopers, dock workers, druggists and fishermen.
Also the patron saint of Greece, the Greek Catholic Church in America, the Greek Catholic Union, grooms, judges, and lawsuits lost unjustly, longshoremen, Lorraine, maidens, mariners, merchants, murderers, newlyweds, old maids, parish clerks and paupers.
As well as pawnbrokers, perfumeries, perfumers, pharmacists, pilgrims, poor people, Portsmouth England, prisoners, Russia, sailors, scholars, schoolchildren, shoe shiners, Sicily, spinsters, students, thieves, travelers, unmarried girls and watermen
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1941
Japan announced the surrender of the British-Canadian garrison in Hong Kong to the forces of Japan.
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 13
Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favourites.
Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my thirteenth selection.
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas" written by Meredith Wilson. Performed by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben;
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen;
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well,
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
Sure it's Christmas once more.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1837
The United States forces defeated the Seminole Indians at the Battle of Okeechobee.
CAROL OF THE BELLS
Pulled with violence
To break the silence
Choring, drawing
Mechanism priming
Ready for chiming
Banging, clanging
Momentum gaining
Timbers straining
Creaking, speaking
Mechanical timing
With rhythm climbing
Swaying, obeying
The peel resounding
A sound astounding
Ringing, singing
The call goes out
Around and about
Voicing, rejoicing
Come says the calling
Come one and all in
Morning, morning
Christ born this day
The Christmas bells say
Rejoicing, rejoicing
REPRESENTING ST LUCY
St Lucy is represented by cord, eyes on a dish, lamp, swords, and as a woman hitched to a yoke of oxen
She is also represented as a woman in the company of Saint Agatha, or Saint Agnes of Rome, Barbara, Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Thecla and finally as woman kneeling before the tomb of Saint Agatha.
CHUCKLING WITH DELIGHT
Chuckling with delight
At the twinkling tree lights
You giggle and smile
And yet all the while
You really don’t know
Why your sweet face is aglow
And you gurgle excitedly
At everything you see
It’s a very special time
When Christmas bells chime
And Santa’s on his way
With presents on his sleigh
For every little lad and lass
To have a special Christmas
But for you my darling one
Just enjoying all the fun
Chuckling with delight
At the twinkling tree lights
When Santa comes this way
It’s for your first Christmas Day
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