We have a wreath like this on our front door.
Christmas Eve
Music is an important part of my Christmas memories and celebrations. I can’t imagine Christmas without music.
I think my favorite Christmas song is “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” which I always think of with the German title, “Es ist ein Ros’ Entsprungen.” On Thursday evening we rehearsed this and several other Christmas pieces for the Christmas Eve service at The Unitarian Church in Westport.
We will open with a Polish carol, “Lulajze,” as you might guess, a lullaby. The choir comes in holding candles and singing, surrounding the congregation. I always find it filled with emotion. I’m not alone – the congregation is in awe, and other choir members are equally spell-bound.
Once we’re at the front, we’ll sing five other songs in between readings and reflections. There will be also be two or three congregational carols.
My second most favorite song for this holiday is “The Holly and the Ivy.” I volunteered for a solo on one of the verses. It’s a little high – we’re singing it in a higher key than the video – but I love it so.
It’s a warm and wonderful service.
Do you celebrate Christmas? Any favorite songs? Did you celebrate Chanukah? Or do you celebrate the solstice like my friend Jim?
Christmas Decorations
Our tree in the front window, visible from the main road.
Our tree is up. We have lots of lights, including several strands that are supposed to be flashing. One is, the others seem to have given up!
I brought the ornaments up from the basement, but haven’t put them on the tree. I’m thinking that I won’t. With two-year old Ikem coming, we couldn’t put any near the bottom.
I’ll see what our children, son-in-law, and grandkids say when they come on Christmas Eve. If they want ornaments, we can put them on then!
President Buhari Also Had a Birthday
I didn’t know Buhari’s birthday was so near mine! He turned 73 on December 17.
Naij.com, an online publication, asked in relation to his birthday, “What ten things do Nigerians hope for in the coming year?”
“Buhari should know that a good number of Nigerians are praying for him to succeed as he continues to pilot the affairs of the nation. However, the president should know that there are some things Nigerians expect from him before the year runs out or right from the beginning of 2016,” the writer said.
No surprise, the first is to attack corrupt practices. For sure Buhari has made a start on this issue.
Second, improvement in the electricity supply. Hard to do. But there are short-term improvements that could be made. You can ask my husband for his suggestions; I think he’d say one or two generating plants could be brought online quickly with sufficent servicing and fuel supply.
Improving the economy and addressing unemployment, certainly related, are others.
I especially liked the final one, number 10: “Women should be given a sense of belonging.” There are only five women in Buhari’s cabinet of 36. Can’t he do better?
Friends of Nigeria
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