Snowflakes falling gently, stirs a longing in my soul
Bringing memories this Christmas of a loving childhood home
White castles, forts and snowball fights
Warm cocoa by the fire
Music for the elderly stories that ne'er tire
Ringing bells, yuletide carols
Swirling snow, smiles aglow
Remind me of the love I know
From my family Christmas time
Shining bright, firelight
The wonder of that special night
Remind me of those precious gifts
From Christmas long ago...
The words began to come one day after seeing gentle snowlakes fall softly from the sky. There was a melancholy feeling, perhaps brought to pass by feeling isolation from family during covid related regulations. A melody and the words found its way into my mind and over several days a new Christmas song evolved. Perhaps it resonates deepest out of all I've written because it captures how much the love and gifts shared by my parents were impressed upon my heart and mind. The pure love they shared extended far beyond my siblings and I,making its way into extended family, friends with lonely hearts and humble homes, the mentally ill, the social outcasts. People from all walks of life were welcomed into our Mendon home and circle. Truly this is about the true Spirit of Christmas, which IS the love of Jesus Christ.
As I ponder the experieriences of this unique December I think of those precious moments where this true Spirit of Christmas was shared in small yet meaningful ways among my husband and children, with friends and neighbors and even "strangers," despite more obstacles in being able to gather and mingle. Here are a few highlights:
Singing, playing a medley of "Stars Were Gleaming" and Away In a Manger" with my husband and four youngest children in church: Because we were given the opportunity I was able to put a simple arrangement together of piano, vocal, cello, viola and bells. Even with the chaos of a resistive teen and a younger one with excessive energy, somehow we pulled together a decent sounding number that brought joy to others the Sunday before Christmas. To exerience the satisfaction of sharing talents in order to bring upliftment to others alongside my family brought me deep peace and a feeling of joy.
Playing bluegrass Christmas music at the American West Heritage Center: Along with three very talented bluegrass musicians, we were able to bring happiness and fun to others during an event at a delightful public farm in Wellsville, Utah. Even though there were not many in attendance and most masked, it didn't take long for individuals and families to come together and dance. There was laughter and gaiety that reminded me of Christmases from many seasons and times past. There is much joy in playing and sharing music with one another.
Making new friends in unlikely places: On my way home from a performance, dressed in country western attire I stopped at a pet store. There on a corner a homeless bearded man, was strumming simple chords on a banjo ukelele with his backpack and a a sign close by, seeking monetary assistance. I happened to have my fiddle in the car. After a brief visit to the store, I went out to our family suburban and grabbed "Peggy Sue" and proceeded to join him. We jammed together with a couple of three-chord-progression songs. During our spontaneous performance, several passengers passed by, one or two handing out a few dollar bills. We talked for a couple of minutes and he shared that he would soon be moving on farther north. We thanked one another and I headed home.
Making friends across the ocean: Through the wonders of technology so many opportunities arise to help one another. Not long ago, I made friends with a beautiful family from Uganda: Patricia, Gen and Bua. Through my association with them living in very humble circumstances,political turmoil and limited resources, they are full of faith in loving Heavenly parents and in Jesus Christ. Knowing them has widened my persective and reminded me to be grateful for and find joy in my many blessings. This Christmas I was able help them across the miles in seemingly small ways and perhaps contribute to their enjoyment of Christmas this year.
No matter where we are in the world, whether during a pandemic or not, I find comfort in knowing that we can share simple acts of kindness and cheer through the love, gifts we have all come to Earth bestowed with. Christmas is a beautiful time to remember and practice this simple truth.
I present to you now, with gratefulness for the gifts I've been given from my family and from the precious "Babe of Bethlehem," a link to a new music video, performed by the Bear River Ramblers: released December 17, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvvNwHRrtuo&t=1s
Truly it has been a joy to create and share with others, but especially with my family, whom I recently presented with a private family video.
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