Chapter 12, Page 31 Book 13

May joy and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door, And

happiness be with you now. And bless you evermore.

Irish Blessing

All is calm and bright here at my house this New Year’s Eve Day and I’m hoping that your world is in a peace filled state too.

I’m blessed that some of my family have joined me for this celebration as it’s very rare indeed.  One of my sons and his family have taken time out of their busy lives to spend a few days here at home.  I know it’s a sacrifice for them to do so and I appreciate it very much.  Many of my New Years Eve’s have been spent alone.  One year I redid my address book and another year I organized my recipe box in order to remain awake to see the New Year in.

That isn’t the case at all this year.  Who knows we may all fall asleep on the couch or in the chair we occupy to watch the Times Square activities tonight.  They say we have a chances for a heavy snow so they may be here longer than planned.

Thankfully we’ll be in where it is cozy and warm.  

I hope your New Year’s Eve is a cozy and warm one too.

Love and joy come to you... And God bless you, and send you. A Happy New Year,

 And God send you a happy New Year!

Chapter 12, Page 30, Book 13

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve read  lately.  I don’t know if when the quote was made it was meant to be advice or just a statement but I’m taking it as advice.

I should put it on a sign and hang it up where I see it often.  We really should never let anger steal our joy away.  I think there are going to be things that make us angry but it’s when we hold on to them and bear grudges that last and last is where the problems tend to lie.   Letting go of hurts and anger is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and for others too.

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace.  When we feel peaceful, we are happy.  So here at the end of this year,  I’m letting go of any grudges I’m still harboring and hoping to find a little compassion and understanding instead.  I don’t want any one or any thing trying to steal my joy.  Time is too short and life is too precious.

Chapter 12, Page 29, Book 13

Where there is a will there is a way. is an old true saying. He who resolves upon doing a thing, by that very resolution often scales the barriers to it, and secures its achievement. To think we are able, is almost to be so -- to determine upon attainment is frequently attainment itself.

Samuel Smiles

Every decision depends on another, which means sometimes I feel like I’m in a holding pattern. However, despite my occasional worries and concerns about my life not unfolding as planned, I do know deep down that every step I take is leading me toward my future. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for both the good and the bad, the expected and the unexpected.

I’ve found that if you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want.  I believe that if you truly want something, it will happen.

We all have been in situations where we have wondered if there is a way out of our problem.  It may take awhile or it maybe that in the process you’ll find that what you thought you wanted turned out to be something entirely different.  But if you have the will a way will be found.

Remember:  God does His best work in impossible situations.  Sometimes I foget it’s His will that matters, not mine.  

One day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time.  

Chapter 12, Page 28, Book 13

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction and persevere in prayer.

These are truly words to live by and they mean just as much to me today, as they must have in the days they were spoken.

I am thankful for the gifts of hope, endurance and perseverance.  Because of them I have reason to be JOY filled every day.  

 Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope 

If I am having trouble being patient, it is a clue I have moved away from being kind and loving.  I should  never allow schedules, activities, or demands to convince me I have too little time to be the loving person I should and could be.

Nothing ever remains the same and it’s good to remember that - This too shall pass.

Just about the time I’m ready to give up all hope, I find changes happening all around me.  Sometimes the waiting seems to go on and on forever, but our dear Lord has no problems, only plans.  All is in control, even when we think we are living in utter chaos.

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s time for me to renew my perspective about my life and rejoice in each day.

Chapter 12, Page 27, Book 13

What comes first, the compass or the clock? Before one can truly manage time (the clock), it is important to know where you are going, what your priorities and goals are, in which direction you are headed (the compass). Where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going. Rather than always focusing on what's urgent, learn to focus on what is really important. 

Author Unknown

At the end of the year we often review what we’ve done in the past year and begin to make lists for what we’d like to accomplish next year.  Setting priorities is important, lest we forget what is truly important in our lives.

When making resolutions we want to choose those things that really matter.  It takes a little thought and I’m one who doesn’t like to think a lot.  Very often I’m a doer and not a thinker and that gets me into trouble more often than not.  So I’m making it a priority to do some thinking before the New Year arrives.

I’m also going to revisit my bucket list.  You know the list of things you want to do before kicking the bucket.   Resolutions are one thing, but a Bucket List is different, it’s a bigger idea because it is more than just what I want to change, do better, or differently over the next year. The Bucket List is looking back at the end of your life and asking; what would you like to have accomplished before you leave this earth?

One of my blogger friends, Jack, put a question out there saying, Did you ever think you’d live to see 2014?  I think my answer to that one has to be no.  No I really didn’t ever think I’d see the year 2014.  But here it is just a few days away and I’ve a lot of thinking to do.

Chapter 12, Page 26, Book 13

Christmas Lights at DS#3's house.

Every moment is a miracle. Every day is filled with magnificent wonder.

Ralph Marston

The miracle of Christmas Day is just a memory now, but I believe that miracles happen every day.  Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention.

Just being a live is a miracle in itself.  We are all walking talking miracles when you think about it.

It may be the holiday spirit, or it may be the end of the year, but something has made me realize acutely that every day is indeed a miracle

Life is our greatest miracle and gift and that is even more reason for us to appreciate it every day.  The everyday miracles like a hug, a conversation that helps you feel understood and supported, a sunset, the very act of breathing in and out, giving love and feeling loved in return should never be overlooked.

What we do after the miracle of Christmas is as important as experiencing the miracle itself.

May all your days be filled with miracles!

Chapter 12, Page 25, Book 13

A Prayer for Christmas Morning

Henry Van Dyke

The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will.

Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wisemen.

Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world…

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,

And the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.

Amen.

I’m  sending you all best wishes for a most JOYOUS and blessed Christmas!  Remember the work of Christmas has just begun…Christmas isn’t just for one day!

We wish you a merry Christmas; We wish you a merry Christmas;

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. 

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Traditional Christmas Carol

Chapter 12, Page 24, Book 13

Some special thoughts for special folks on Christmas Eve

Somewhere across the winter world tonight

You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;

Christmas extends its all-enfolding light

Across the distance...something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,

These familiar songs we know so well,

And you will see these same stars in your sky

And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,

One shining star upon the topmost bough;

I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --

Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.

And all the time that we must be apart

I keep a candle in my heart.

Mary E. Linton, Candlelit Heart

I love this poem because it has such a heartfelt meaning to me.  There are  many friends and family far away.  

I have hung the wreaths of faith for all to see…

My heart will always keep you near, 

and I am keeping a candlelit heart.

There'll always be Christmas as long as a light

Glows in the window to guide folks at night,

As long as a star in the heavens above,

Keeps shining down - there'll be Christmas and love

Edna Jaques 

Chapter 12, Page 23, Book 13

My family celebrating Christmas 2013 this past Saturday at DS#3's house

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

Refrain

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

Words: John F. Wade, cir­ca 1743. Vers­es 1-3 & 6 trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Fred­er­ick Oak­e­ley, 1841; vers­es 4 & 5 trans­lat­ed by Will­iam T. Brooke (1848-1917).

O Come, All Ye Faithful is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas songs. It gained popularity at the turn of the century when Christmas caroling becamee a holiday tradition in communities around America. 

After weeks of preparation, it is my hope that many faithful people, myself included, will be able to open their hearts this Christmas to the true meaning of this holy holiday.  It’s not easy during these hectic days to remember just what it is all about.  The big celebration with my family is done and over and this week I’m thankful for the quieter days to have time just to pray and reflect.  

Turning the lights off except for my little Christmas trees and listening to Christmas music is a peaceful way to spend an evening here.  The danger in doing so is that I’ll probably get so relaxed that a good nap will probably be forthcoming.

But naps are good and a little extra rest is needed so maybe that is not a bad thing at all.

Remember to try and take a little time out just for you when it’s possible.  

O Come let us Adore Him!

Chapter 12, Page 22, Book 13

Just hear those sleigh bells

Ringing and jing ting tingaling too;

Come on its lovely weather for

A sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the Snow is falling and

friends are calling yoo hoo;

Come on its lovely weather for

A sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy Up, Giddy Up,

Giddy Up, Let's Go!

Just look at the show,

Were riding in a wonderland of snow.

Giddy Up, Giddy Up, Giddy Up

Its Grand, just holdin' your hand

Were riding along with the song

Of a wintery wonder land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and

Comfy cozy are we, 

Were snuggled

Upp together like birds of

A feather would be.

Just hear those sleigh bells

ringing and jing ting tingaling too

Come on its lovely weather for

A sleigh ride together with you.

Come on its lovely weather for

A sleigh ride together with you.

 Christmas Carol, Sleigh Bells Ringing

Sleigh Ride was composed by Leroy Anderson. 1948.  In 1950 Mitchell Parish wrote the lyrics to the song.

I like this song because it’s full of pep and energy.  Just jing ting tingling a way.  After such a busy week here at my house and then celebrating with my family yesterday, today I need anything that will perk me up and get me going.  Music can do that for me.  

This song makes me feel happy too.  Good times with family and friends are wonderful and it reminds me of just that.  It’s been raining here this weekend so no sleigh riding will be done, but they say it’ll get colder and snow here this coming week.

Chapter 12, Page 21, Book 13

I'll have a blue Christmas without you;

I'll be so blue thinking about you.

Decorations of red 

On a green Christmas tree

Won't mean a thing

If you're not here with me.

 

And when the blue snowflakes start falling

That's when those blue memories start calling

You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white,

But I'll have a blue blue Christmas.

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain;

And when that blue heartache starts hurting,

You'll be doing all right

With your Christmas of white,

But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.

Blue Christmas is a Christmas song written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson. It is a tale of unrequited love during the holidays and is a longstanding staple of Christmas music.  Most sad Christmas songs center around being away from a loved one, but this classic is the best of that theme. Though the happiness of Christmas is around him, he is blue, and there is nothing he can do about it

It seems to me that no matter what there are times that we all feel a little blue this time of year.  Maybe we have family that won’t make it home or maybe someone we love is sick  or maybe the frustrations of so much to do are just getting us down.

Hectic activity can bring physical and emotional stress.  Overspending can produce financial pressure.  Year end reflection and focus on loss can magnify sorrow.

Every family, every individual at some point or other, faces heart break and hardship. And while it can sometimes seem easier to sweep that all under the rug, I think we do a disservice to our families and ourselves when we pretend that everything is fine and we ignore that pain. No amount of tinsel and good cheer will cover it up.

So this year, instead of ignoring it, I’m going to try to face all aspects of the holidays head on. If I’m going to celebrate Christmas, let it include the good as well as the bad. Let us acknowledge the sad, lonely, and stressed in our midst and make room for that pain, as well as for hope. After all, isn’t that what the first Christmas was about?  All the messiness of our past and present: all the joy, hope, and peace, but also all the pain, sorrow, and tragedy.

On this first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, we have hopes now that each day will be a little brighter, the days will lengthen minute by minute and we have hope that on the other side of even the darkest night, dawn will come. 

We are told that, We are the Light of the World!  When we do our part to be a source of light we diminish the effects of the darkness.  Between getting ready in the morning for the day and getting ready at night for sleep, we live our lives. Much of that time is spent preparing for the hours to come. Be a light shining in the darkness.

I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.

Taylor Caldwell

Chapter 12, Page 20, Book 13

Deck the hall with boughs of holly,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

'Tis the season to be jolly,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel

Troll the ancient Christmas carol,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

See the blazing yule before us,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,

While I tell of Christmas treasure,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Sing we joyous all together,

Heedless of the wind and weather,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Deck the Halls is a traditional Christmas, yuletide, and New Years' carol. The melody is Welsh dating back to the sixteenth century, and belongs to a winter carol, Nos Galan, while the English lyrics date to 1862.

This is the time of year when all sorts of Christmas decorations and lights appear.  I love decorating and although I don’t do as much as I used to…I still do it.  

The old candle lights that I have in my window are getting very old now and every year when I plug them in I wonder if they’ll work or not.  While shopping I have looked for something new, but haven’t been successful.

I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of the traditional red and green colors of Christmas.  They symbolize Christmas to me. Holly, pine and mistletoe are traditional and for me they are must this time of year.

I regret not having a real tree and the smell of pine radiating throughout the house.  But I’ve got some candles that do a good job.

Decked out is good, The halls of my house are as ready as they’ll ever be.  Sure I have dishes in the sink and laundry to do in the bin, but I have done what’s important to me.  Priorities matter and in this case…Christmas is what it is all about!

Never regret.

If it’s good, it’s wonderful.

If it’s bad, it’s experience.

Victoria Holt

Chapter 12, Page 19, Book 13

The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing

But I can weather the storm!

What do I care how much it may storm?

I've got my love to keep me warm.

I can't remember a worse December

Just watch those icicles form!

What do I care if icicles form?

I've got my love to keep me warm.

Off with my overcoat, off with my glove

I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love!

My heart's on fire, the flame grows higher

So I will weather the storm!

What do I care how much it may storm?

I've got my love to keep me warm.

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a Christmas song written in 1937 by Irving Berlin.

If it weren’t for the love of family and friends winters here in northern Ohio would be pretty cold and drear.  I’ve got to say the warmth of those I love is especially needed this time of year. I am thankful for each and every one and am appreciative to all.

If you don’t already know I’ve lived by myself now for a long time.  My husband died over 20 years ago and although I have a large family, they are all grown and married and have families of their own.  I do feel compassion for those that are alone and don’t have the glow of happiness that family and friends can bring.  

Feeling warm and wrapped in love is the best feeling in the world.  So maybe we could all remember to warm the hearts of others this time of year.

Chapter 12, Page 18, Book 13

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,

With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,

He was made of snow but the children

Know how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic in that

Old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head

He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman

Was alive as he could be,

And the children say he could laugh

And play just the same as you and me.

Frosty the snowman knew

The sun was hot that day,

So he said, Let's run and

We'll have some fun

Now before I melt away.

Down to the village,

With a broomstick in his hand,

Running here and there all

Around the square saying,

Catch me if you can.

He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop.

And he only paused a moment when

He heard him holler Stop!

For Frosty the snowman

Had to hurry on his way,

But he waved goodbye saying,

Don't you cry,

I'll be back again some day.

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump,

Thumpety thump thump,

Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the Snowman is a popular song written by Walter ‘Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson, and first recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950

The song recounts the fictional tale of a snowman that is magically brought to life through a top hat that a group of children place on his head. Although Frosty enjoys roaming throughout town with the children who constructed him, the sun becomes too much for him to bear and Frosty is forced to leave town, promising he will be back again someday.

Around my neck of the woods we have had plenty of snow right now.  Snow means snowmen when there are children around.  But here at my house, I stay in where it is warm.  I do have lots of snowmen decorations around the house. They are always so cute and fun to have around. 

When the children were home we had advent calendars that had things to so every day of the week like making Snowmen Ice Cream and Grinch Floats.

Snowmen Ice Cream 

 Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream, 

Twizzlers for the arms,

 Reese's Christmas Bells for his hat, 

M&Ms for the eyes and buttons and mini chocolate 

 peanut butter chips for the nose and mouth.  

Grinch Floats 

 lime sherbet

 add some Sprite and 

topped, of course, with whipped cream. 

Taking a break and having a little fun this time of year is good for all of us…not just the children.

That grinch float sounds pretty tempting to me.

Give yourself a perfect day. Do what makes you happiest. Look upon what gives you joy. Speak to those who warm your heart. Listen to that which lifts your spirit. Surround yourself with sights and sounds and people who give you pleasure. For all the happiness you give to others all year long, give yourself a perfect day.

Author Unknown

Chapter 12, Page 17, Book 13

We three kings of Orient are; 

bearing gifts we traverse afar, 

field and fountain, moor and mountain, 

following yonder star. 

Refrain: 

O star of wonder, star of light, 

star with royal beauty bright, 

westward leading, still proceeding, 

guide us to thy perfect light. 

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, 

gold I bring to crown him again, 

King forever, ceasing never, 

over us all to reign. 

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I; 

incense owns a Deity nigh; 

prayer and praising, voices raising, 

worshiping God on high. 

Refrain

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume 

breathes a life of gathering gloom; 

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, 

sealed in the stone cold tomb. 

Refrain

Glorious now behold him arise; 

King and God and sacrifice: 

Alleluia, Alleluia, 

sounds through the earth and skies. 

Refrain

We Three Kings, also known as We Three Kings of Orient Are is a Christmas carol written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., then an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church and was instrumental in organizing an elaborate holiday pageant  for the students of the General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1857 while serving as the seminary's music director

The wisemen were all from different places and of different heritages.. They are a reminder that there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female.  All are welcome into the presence of the One who will reconcile everything. All things in heaven and on earth to Himself.

The Magi teach us the wisest of Advent lessons: There are many barriers to overcome and great distances to cover in our journey of Advent.  Remember:  Christmas comes for all.

Chapter 12, Page 16, Book 13

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

CHORUS:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

Chorus

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him Whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Chorus

See Him in a manger laid

Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

With us sing our Savior's birth.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Words: Tra­di­tion­al French carol; trans­lat­ed from French to Eng­lish by James Chad­wick in Crown of Je­sus, 1862.

Music: French car­ol mel­o­dy; ar­ranged by Ed­win S. Barnes 

Angels We Have Heard on High  is a Christmas carol in the public domain. The song commemorates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke, in which shepherds outside Bethlehem encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising the newborn child.

To me this is a very happy song and one that gets me nearly dancing when I hear it or sing it.

We are so near now to the end of Advent.  All the Christmas preparations are almost done with and very soon Christmas Day will be here to celebrate in all its glory.  A happy time indeed.  

During the past 3 weeks I surely have had my time of being patient and waiting and lots of work too.  I’m happy to say so far I’m making progress.  Progress on my gift making and also on the spiritual realm.  Every day has brought a new thought and insight to what depth and beauty there is in Christmas.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.  I can almost see it now.

The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little star dust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched.

Henry David Thoreau

Chapter 12, Page 15, Book 13

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, 

all seated on the ground; 

the angel of the Lord came down, 

and glory shone around, 

and glory shone around. 

Fear not, said he, for mighty dread 

had seized their troubled mind. 

Glad tidings of great joy I bring 

to all of humankind, 

to all of humankind.

To you, in David's town, this day 

is born of David's line 

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, 

and this shall be the sign,

and this shall be the sign:

The heavenly babe you there shall find 

to human view displayed, 

all meanly wrapped in swathing bands, 

and in a manger laid, 

and in a manger laid.

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith 

appeared a shining throng 

of angels praising God on high, 

who thus addressed their song, 

who thus addressed their song: 

All glory be to God on high, 

and to the earth be peace; 

good will henceforth from heaven to earth 

begin and never cease, 

begin and never cease!

Text: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715 

Music: Harmonia Sacra; arr. from G.F. Handel 

This hymn captures the story of shepherds who received the good news of the Savior's birth on the very first Christmas night. 

This is an old hymn and I remember well singing it as a child.  Thankfully I was always a member of a choir when growing up and learned a good many songs that I wouldn’t have otherwise known. 

I don’t remember my folks singing, but between church and school it seems like music was always a part of my life.  I always loved to sing. These days I don’t carry a tune so well and no longer sing in a choir, but have some great memories of doing so.

There is a lot of joy to be found in music and it is part of my preparation for Christmas.  The time we get to sing these wonderful songs seems so short and there are so many to enjoy.

May we  experience the joy of the shepherds every day.  While every day may not be good, there is something good in every day.

Chapter 12, Page 14, Book 13

Here we come a wassailing

Among the leaves so green,

Here we come a wand'ring

So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you,

And to you your wassail, too,

And God bless you, and send you

A Happy New Year,

And God send you a Happy New Year

Here We Come A Caroling was originally titled Here We Come A Wassailing and is still called by that name by some. The song was composed in the 1850s and is still very popular at Christmas time.

Wassailing was a termed used to denote the act of caroling door to door and wishing good health to each listener, instead of begging for alms.

This aged English wassail carol is a peaceful gesture English people practiced to allow good tidings to spread across every single home in the community.

Carolers are something we don’t see much of anymore, but I can remember the time that they used to go through our neighborhood, stopping at each house and sharing a song or two.  There were also times that I went out too with youth groups from church or scout groups caroling.  I treasure the many memories made while going caroling to those who hadn’t had any Christmas joy for a very long time.  The eyes of the old folks in the nursing homes would always twinkle a little brighter when they heard the children sing.  

The thing we should remember is that folks need some glad tidings not just on Christmas Day but all through out the year.  Caroling is good, but being a good neighbor all year long is better.