I have been fortunate enough to travel all over Europe and extend these travels in either direction, toward Moscow or Beijing. And why? Because if we have the opportunity to travel, we do get such enjoyment from it.
This old world is so different when we travel beyond one border and then another and no less so than at Christmas time. So journey with me around this globe and be entranced at how time and space affects this December ritual.
For most people in Scandinavian countries the official beginning of the Christmas season is December 13th. Called "little Yule" the oldest daughter in a family dresses in a long white gown encircled by a bright red sash. To complete the costume she wears a crown of twigs that sends forth light from nine lighted candles. The family then eats breakfast in a room brightened by more candles.
In Argentina, Father Christmas boots are placed at the door which made me think that perhaps the stockings we used to hang from the mantle really were for Father Christmas. No one ever said but why not?
On the west coast of Africa, in Liberia, their Christmas tree is an oil palm decorated with bells.
Christian children in China call their Christmas trees "trees of light" and Santa Claus is referred to as Dun He Lao Ren which means "Christmas Old Man."
In Germany, where my ancestors lived, the Christmas preparations begin on the eve of December 6th. Folk began to set aside evenings for cooking cakes and cookies and making little dolls of fruit. Children place letters on windowsills for Christkind, a winged figure wearing a golden crown and a white robe – who in this case is the supposed distributor of gifts rather than our Santa.
Even in our giant land of America the miles make changes in how we celebrate. And yes, in America we began to see evidence of Christmas earlier and earlier.
In Alaska a star is attached to a pole that is carried from door to door followed by Herod's men whose purpose it is to try to capture the star. In New Orleans a gigantic ox with holly and ribbons tied to its horns parades through the streets. In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is kept alive. It is a ritual procession and play that represents the search of Mary and Joseph for a room at an inn. Families take different roles in the drama and visit each other's houses as they re-enact the 2000-year-old drama.
However it is celebrated, there is always emphasized the underlying message of love and good will. Gifts given. Families together. And whether falling snow in the north or soft tropical breezes in my Miami south, it is a favorite season for one and all.
A time when the secular and the sacred do sometimes collide but "peace on earth, good will to man" still echoes across malls and meadows.
So to you my reader, "A Merry Holy Christmas to you." and to all those you love and are loved by.