Christmas yet?

So...... what tells you it is Christmas?  When the Christmas music starts playing?  When the Christmas lights come on through out the neighborhood?  When the hymns, at church, start being Christmas hymns?  When YOUR tree is up?  We grew up in the liturgical tradition so we observed the season of Advent - with the Advent candles and calendar.  We put the tree up on Christmas Eve day.

Then...... the part that means Christmas to me........  the Christmas Eve worship service.  It usually  started at 10:30 with "Christmas Carols" and then the actual service.  There were hymns, prayers, a sermon (only one of which I remember ANY of) and then Communion.  We would finish the service, usually the last hymn was "Silent NIght," as we lit candles.  Then out into the COLD night.  Yes, it was usually after midnight so, even technically, it was Christmas Day.

When I am asked about Christmas celebrations this is what I think of, remember and wish we could do again.  This year I have lost count of the number of Christmas "Eve" services anywhere from 3 to 5 in the afternoon.  Thankfully I have been invited to a service at 8pm tonight.  Close.......  Memories to celebrate so we don't start screaming..........