It Happens In A Book

I love the Christmas season. At the top of my list of favorite things is Christmas music. Yesterday we had the opportunity to share Christmas music in our local nursing home. It was fun to observe the different ways the residents expressed their joy. Sitting near the piano was a lady who was clearly excited to hear the music. She sang out loud, a bit off-key, to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. She was so expressive. She cried during Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It really touched me to see her wipe her eyes and grab a tissue. Then the next song was Joy to the World, and she was back in full voice! On the other side of the room was a lady named Mary. Her face glowed with a radiant smile and gentle spirit. She held her hands near her heart nodding her head for each song. She seemed to be soaking in every note. I found out later that she played the piano as well. Music brings her joy. When we finished our planned music, Mary did not want it to end. She requested Away in a ...

“Lighthouse Christmas” by Toni Buzzeo and pictures by Nancy Carpenter. This is not your usual Christmas story! I had never heard of the Flying Santas, or their mission to be a blessing to lighthouse families on remote islands along our Eastern coast. It began on December 25, 1929 when pilot Captain William H. Wincapaw decided to say thank you to lighthouse families by dropping Christmas gifts from his plane. These families worked and lived on islands along the East coast in Maine. They often could not get supplies due to storms. They worked tirelessly keeping the light burning and even rescuing fishermen or other boaters who were in trouble. Capt. Wincapaw dropped packages containing coffee, tea, newspapers, candy and other items. The keepers and families were so thankful. According to www.flyingsanta.com, this mission continues today! They have expanded their outreach along the eastern US coast. ~Jennifer

There are TONS of Christmas traditions, but probably the one most common is ... getting a Christmas tree! Nearly everyone has one this time of year. Going to the tree farm with a cup of hot cocoa, just wandering through the rows and rows of Christmas trees, is definitely one of my favorite Christmas activities!!