Author's Note: Lyrics from the song "Carol of the Bells" by Celtic Women will be mixed throughout the article.
Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, "Throw cares away!"
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold.
Christmas is really here.
I can sense it, in the night sky, the way the stars glimmer, the way my Christmas tree's light seem to never fade away. My eyes won't stop glowing, I seem so young and innocent on this cold, rainy night.
Ding, dong, ding dong, that is their song
From everywhere, filling the air
Let the rain fall, for even though Christmas is only a few days away, I feel so at peace with myself when I say that simple word.
I wonder if everyone feels like I do when they see Christmas trees. I see them as not a sign for a religion, but a sign of peace and happiness. The light from my candle seems to flicker off of the gold ornaments, so carefully hung on the delicate evergreen. My fingers run along the rough branches, taking in the scent, feeling the rough surface under my fingers. I close my eyes and try to take in so much happiness and joy that seems to be ringing in my ears.
I can hear the bells.
Oh, how they pound! Raising the sound!
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale!
The sad violin rings bitter-sweet notes into my ears. The choir is too much, I am starting to grin like a complete idiot. I play with my hair and tears stream down my cheeks as I beam at the roaring fire in my living room. I'm all alone, but I can feel every smile in the whole world right in front of me, in this tree that will never die.
I know many people in this world don't celebrate Christmas, but I don't think it matters what religion you are, for all I feel in this simple holiday is love, peace, and happiness. Christmas is so natural to me, the one thing I look forward to every year. Not for the presents or food I will eat on that bright morning but just for being alive and knowing there's something good out there, just waiting for me in this lonely world.
Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
You've got to appreciate this holiday for yourself and ask why you celebrate it.
I celebrate it because without Christmas, I would be empty. I need the happiness, and the joy, and the memories.
And the love.
Always the love.
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-tow,
Although it's been said many time, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you.
Merry Christmas.
Happy Hanukkah.
Happy Kwanzaa.
Happy Holidays.
Love,
Grace (msof57)
