Category Archives: Holidays

Silver lining

Posted on January 3, 2018 by

Twenty-five years ago, at 5:21 p.m. on January 2, our priest pronounced me and Kim “husband and wife.” I’ve already blogged the awkward love story that eventually led to that moment, and I’ve shared a lot about our life together … Continue reading →

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The twelfth song of Christmas: Wonder and hope

Posted on December 25, 2017 by

One of the great things about Christmas is being grateful for everything we have. Another great thing is acknowledging what we don’t have, and resolving ourselves to strive for it. I’m not talking about gifts, I’m talking about ideals. Things … Continue reading →

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The eleventh song of Christmas: Miller’s tale

Posted on December 24, 2017 by

With the whirlwind that today and tonight are going to be, I chose a song that’s simple and pretty, and perfectly captures the tone of Christmas Eve (once all of the commitments are over). It has one verse, sung a … Continue reading →

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The tenth song of Christmas: Annunciation enunciation

Posted on December 23, 2017 by

Growing up Catholic in non-Catholic schools in the South, I heard all of the comments. Their families are huge! Their kids go to “Sunday school” on Wednesday afternoons! They have saints! They. Worship. MARY! That last bit isn’t true, by … Continue reading →

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Interlude 3: And the children shall lead?

Posted on December 23, 2017 by

The final interlude concerns a group of people who aren’t disenfranchised from Christmas one bit; in fact, the holiday is considered by many to be “just for them.” Children win at Christmas, hands down. But for all that, they’re somewhat … Continue reading →

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The ninth song of Christmas: Can’t polka hole in this one

Posted on December 22, 2017 by

If December’s weeknights belonged to Mom and Nanny and candlelight reverence, its Sunday afternoons belonged to Dad and goofy tunes by sunlight. That’s when we pulled a different set of albums from the stack, listening to big bands being a … Continue reading →

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The eighth song of Christmas: No words

Posted on December 21, 2017 by

It was the first and only time I lived alone. I’d graduated from college in spring of the previous year and accepted a job I didn’t want, out of sheer desperation. They began flying me to Raleigh, NC to work … Continue reading →

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