christmas

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One candle…grant us peace

As the shortest day and the longest night unfold, it is evident the winter solstice is upon us once again. Last evening, we savored a beautiful symphony concert where the local youth chorus shared their glorious pure voices in celebration of the season. Accompanied by various orchestral instruments, several stepped forth in solos and duets to a packed audience in attendance. The last three selections involved audience participation with our individual candles and our voices raised with them in song. Two young ladies stepped up to a microphone to begin a beautiful number called, “One Candle,” with the words and music by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher (both local composers and lyricists). The glow of our individual candles slowly shining collectively reminded me again how both the darkness and the light hold space for each of us. Even more importantly, when we share our light with others, light prevails over darkness. Even as we prepare for the darker winter nights ahead, may we focus on the blessing of the light within us…and wherever you find yourself on this longest night, keep faith that tomorrow brings a sliver of more light. May this light grant you and yours peace.

One Candle (by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher)

One candle, one light, burning clear throughout the night; one candle, one symbol of peace. One candle, plus one, now a glimmer has begun; two candles, two symbols of peace.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem (“grant us peace”); in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem, peace for you and me.

Three candles, then four, shining stronger than before; five candles, six candles burn bright. More candles join us, see a spark of hope begin. Each candle increasing the light.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem, in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem; peace for you and me.

Your candlelight with mine will radiate and shine; growing stronger, for all the world to see, you and me.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem, in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem; peace for you and me. Peace for you and me…

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Christmas spending…

A group of writers were conversing this morning in a small group about how they spend Christmas.  They were creating a list of ideas to share from the recent poll they conducted in their grade level.  The conversation turned to the way they spend it rather than how much is spent (on things).  I know… my mind was blown!

Of course, I had to share the story of President Andrew Jackson who loved to spend Christmas having a snowball fight with his relatives and the children from the local orphanage or playing games.  Since his wife died early in their marriage, he always shared his home (including the White House) with friends and others.  He would spend time with them versus buying lots of gifts for Christmas (although I feel certain there were gifts too).  He made sure everyone was a part of the big celebration.

One student pointed out one of my favorite animated series, charliebrown1the Peanuts Gang (the Christmas episode in particular), where Linus helps Charlie Brown learn the way to spend Christmas versus how much to spend.  Of course, this leads to our question for you today:  “In what way(s) do you spend Christmas and with whom?”

I believe it was Thoreau (while pondering life on Walden Pond) who noted, “The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.”  The group this morning has officially adopted this as their holiday mantra…here’s hoping you will consider it as well.  🙂

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Through the eyes of a child…

merry+christmas+picturesChristmas is coming; the evidence is all around. Christmas is coming and excitement abounds!  We are in high gear at LME with today being just one of 15 remaining school days before the big holiday break starts.  Learners shared their activities throughout the past week, talking turkey and telling stories about their adventures.  Classroom leaders went on a hunt for Ollie the Jolly OWL, whoooo’s wisely hiding in various places throughout our campus–oh, the stories they are sharing about her!  PTO is prepping the annual Penguin Patch Holiday Shop for next week where students can experience the JOY of giving to others by selecting gifts for the whole family.  angel-treeredSpeaking of giving to others, several of our LME friends dropped off their Angel Tree purchases with our counselor, Mrs. Stanley today.  Our third graders are rehearsing their big holiday production for next week and our Miller Ringers and Singers are prepping for the big All-City Choir Concert this coming Friday night. Party reservation forms went out today for everyone wishing to join us on the LME Christmas Cheer Express next Friday, Dec. 12.  Finally, yes, students actually did lots of amazing and engaging learning today–the “real reason we’re here, Mrs. Van.”  🙂  Here’s hoping you catch the spirit of the season and join in the various seasonal opportunities through the eyes of a child this year!  🙂

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Do you hear what we hear?

This special season would never be the same without the beloved sounds, carols, voices, and music.  A young child stopped me this morning:

  • Child:  Do you hear what we hear today?
  • Me:  I hear carols playing softly in the background while you work!
  • Child: So, Mrs. Van, here’s your question today:  What would be your all-time favorite Christmas carol?
  • Me:  Oh dear…this is a tough question!  May I choose a couple at least?
  • Child:  Only because I like you and the choices you make!  🙂

Choosing only two songs to share was a complete challenge as I pondered my final answer (I knew they might ask me to sing them next).  hollyivystitcheryMy first choice was one my grandmother sang often to me, a French carol called The Holly and the Ivy (you can see her handiwork here):

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown;
Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun and the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing of the choir…

The second carol is one we sing frequently in our church.  Gustav Holst composed the music in 1906, set to Christina Rossetti’s beautiful 1872 poem, In The Bleak Midwinter:

In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds made moan;
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow;
In the bleak midwinter, long ago… (there are two more verses and this final one)

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him; give Him my heart.

Both of these carols have deep and personal meaning to me; they are just two of a long list.  So here’s YOUR question today:  What are your favorite Christmas or seasonal carols/songs you always wish to hear and sing during the holiday?  Here’s hoping you hear some beautiful seasonal sounds during the season too!  🙂

Speaking of hearing seasonal sounds, our LME third graders will present their program, “Holiday Hoe-Down,” this Thursday evening in our cafe @ 7:00 p.m.  We look forward to a festive performance indeed!

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Christmas is coming…

merry+christmas+picturesChristmas is coming; the evidence is all around. Christmas is coming and excitement abounds!  We are in high gear at LME with today being just one of 14 remaining school days before the big holiday starts.  Learners shared their activities throughout the past week, talking turkey and telling stories about their adventures.  Classroom leaders went on a hunt for Monty Moose, who’s hiding in various places throughout our campus right now–oh, the stories they are sharing about him!  PTO is prepping the annual Peppermint Village Gift Shop for next week where students can experience the JOY of giving to others by selecting gifts for the whole family.  Speaking of giving to others, locksofloveCamden donated her hair last week to Lock of Love; this is her second time to grow it out and cut it off for someone in need…way to go, Camden!  Christmas Party reservation forms went out today for everyone wishing to join us on the LME Christmas Cheer Express.  Finally, yes, students actually did lots of amazing and engaging school work today–the “real reason we’re here, Mrs. Van.”  🙂  Here’s hoping you catch the spirit of the season through the eyes of a child today…

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The Blessing of Music

The chords are so grand they send shivers down the back of your neck.  You hear the familiar strains of a holiday melody filling the air and instantly feel wrapped in the glorious blessing of music…

BRAVOS to our Frank Seale Middle School Band friends band2who serenaded us today with several Christmas carols and holiday tunes in what was a JOYous occasion indeed!  With so many of our former LME learners sitting in the first chair of each instrument section, it does our Miller hearts proud to know our learners are leaders in all areas, including music!

Many of my Christmas memories are stored away within the refrains of beloved carols and songs.  We begin as small children (like our youngest Head Start friends) learning these wonderful songs.  Each year, we are given the gift of dusting them off, tuning them up, and sharing them with others.  Like a fine antique, this music becomes priceless with the passing of time (especially as I get older each year!).  So here’s your question today:  “Other than carols or songs, what other things do you bring out at Christmas time, dust off, and share with others to enhance the holidays?”

So…turn on your favorite tune, close your eyes, and allow the music to move you beyond the hustle and bustle of the daily rush.  Here’s hoping you are blessed with the wonderful gift of music now and throughout the coming year!  🙂