So, someone had to bring up the nursing home thing at X-mas and now I must tell my story. Sick and tired of all the commercialism and the hundred presents under my tree, one year I decided to *show* my children that X-mas is about giving, not receiving. I called a local nursing home and asked for the names of three residents without family members. The kids and I then shopped for them, sweat suits, slippers, plants, a whole list provided by the staff. We visited the nursing home in the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Marguerite was on my list and unfortunately she passed away two days earlier (the staff forget to call me). Minnie had a stroke the day before and was transferred to the hospital (they forgot to call me). But Donald was present. He couldn’t speak, but seemed thrilled over his new slippers and stuffed them in his drawer immediately. All in all, it worked out well. My kids finally realized that not all people have a loving family surrounding them on X-mas, much less any given day, and they also saw firsthand poor living conditions, illness, loss of faculties, so many things we take for granted. Admittedly, they spent the time at the nursing home alternating between eyes wide-open (shock) and rolling them (at me.)

I’m doing the nursing home blitz again this year. Might have to drag the kids by their ears this time, but one way or the other we’ll be there.

I love all Christmas music, but Silent Night will always be my fave!

Thanks so much for the lovely post. Blessed Holidays!
Keta

If that’s the version you’re looking for. Not sure. ???

Puts me in the Christmas Spirit every time!

Caput apri de fera
Redens LAUUUUUU des Domine.

My favourite piece of traditional Christmas music – well, now that is really difficult. I love so many carols!
I really love “O du fröhliche” (which is really traditional), but I also love “Morgen Kinder wird’s was geben” or “Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen”. Or all the shepherd-themed ones!

I love “O Holy Night”