Christmas prep was always a frantic rush at our house. No matter how many tasks were done beforehand, there was always something else to finish at the eleventh hour. We would pile into the car for midnight mass, and if it wasn’t for the heater fan running full blast, I would likely have heard sighs of relief from both of my parents. The stress and anxiety of the previous weeks vanished. We sat, shoulder to shoulder in a packed and beautifully decorated church, with everyone, regardless of vocal ability, joining in song.
We heard those same tunes weeks before. Whether it was while we baked cookies, trimmed the tree, wrapped gifts, or wrote a personal note in the cards we sent, Christmas music played. There were chords of hope and joy that we hummed or sang along. Those songs slowed us down, even for an instant, to take stock and relish the season.
There were other ways we found some respite.
Despite Mom’s “impossible’ list, she tuned, without fail to the annual Paul Reid Christmas radio show on CJAD Montreal. Paul aired a live broadcast where listeners would accompany him through his poignant memories of Christmas with his family. Even after he retired, Mom would still tune in to a recorded show. Our house was filled with his deep, soothing voice that would stop time for her and for anyone else listening. It was impossible to avoid shedding a tear as the stories this man told resonated with each of us.
Over time, the Paul Reid show would be repeated closer to Christmas. Somehow, broadcasting the segment amid the chaos, especially in our house, made sense. It was a reminder of what “preparing” at this time actually meant, rather than the busyness we embraced. I’d ask my father each year what he wanted for Christmas. He’d always say the same thing, “peace in the world.” How could that be possible? I thought. Maybe Dad was articulating the need to begin living that peace not only with ourselves but with our family.
The memories of those weeks leading up to Christmas still remain with me, and Dad’s words bear much weight. When we have peace, our hearts are filled with hope, and joy follows closely after.
As we begin our journey towards Christmas, let us be hopeful in the peace we seek today and every day, and let us always cherish the joy we find. This is my wish for you.
Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved, Jackie Kierulf, writer.
Please follow me and check out my other blog page: https://cherishingthedeathprocess.wordpress.com
From simple words to real stories 