Sow There!

I really love the holiday season.

I'm usually the person who is humming along with the Christmas carols in the grocery store when scouring the sale rack for stocking stuffers.

I like the rituals like decorating the Christmas trees and sending cards to people who I really care about but with whom I don’t get a chance to catch up with very often.

But the holiday also has the potential to feed our addictions.

I do not think this is an accident. I think that people who make a point of going out of their way to exploit others’ weaknesses purposely make it seem like it’s OK to feed our urges this time of year.

When you think about it, the holidays really have something excessive for everyone.

• Shopping
There is a certain high that comes with buying something wonderful, either for yourself or for someone

you love. But this time of year commercials practically scream for you to give in to these compulsions.

• Eating
What’s a holiday party or family gathering without enough food to feed each person for a week?

In ancient times, feasts were often held because the gnarly weather meant there was not enough green pasture to keep animals alive through the winter. The animal herds were thinned to ensure that those kept alive would be able to survive and procreate when the weather warmed up.

That’s a far different rationale for gorging one’s self. Nowadays, if you have a tendency to be an over-eater you need not look any further than the hors doerves table.

Then there’s the people at the office bring in goodies ...

• Sports
In my family we were never allowed to have television on during holidays.

My mother had a saying: “People are more important than television.”

If we had guests over, it was considered rude to turn on the television. Likewise, if someone had something to talk about in our family, we were never allowed to say “can you wait until the commercial?”

When I was 24 years old my cousin Trisha had her first Thanksgiving dinner at her house. The women were busy getting things ready for the meal, and after a while I wondered where all the men were.

“They’re in the living room watching football,” I was told.

Before that, I never even knew there was a football game on Thanksgiving.

• Gambling
Another addiction on many people’s list. What’s not to love about watching sports and making a bet to make it more interesting?

• Drinking
Even people who don’t drink alcohol during the year are likely to drink a few spirits during the holiday.

But people who already are excessive in this department might feel it easier to reach for the bottle when there are 10 of them lined up on grandma’s antique buffet table.

• Casual contact
Then, for the affection-starved people, there's New Year's Eve. Somehow, there is this pressure to have someone to kiss when the clock strikes midnight. Add alcohol to this compulsion, and you've set some folks up for some interesting situations.

I suggest some replacements.

Hugs.

They won’t rack up charges on your credit card, don’t add to your waist and don’t cause you to write carefully crafted apologies to your holiday host.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We arrived home from Christmas travels fairly victorious.
• The car did not break down during the journey to and around the Bay Area.
• During the short stint when Tommy asked me to drive the car, I did not crash into that merging semi truck.
• We did not get in a fight after I almost crashed the car.
• Everyone in the family appeared to genuinely enjoy visiting with one another. Those who may not have genuinely enjoyed visiting with one another managed to keep it hidden.
• I still have money to pay rent.

Gift-giving can be very stressful. The last several years I’ve been experimenting with homemade gifts, which has proved marginally successful.
In retrospect, the origami swan mobiles made from Christmas cards were not the most practical. I also learned that there is a reason people buy store-bought candy rather than trying to make it themselves.
This year I tried my hand at painting ceramic ornaments.
I bought the very fragile ornaments at a craft store, and they occupied my coffee table since mid-October.
Through trial and error, I noted that when broken, a little white glue fixes them up almost as good as new.
Tommy was very patient and while I was painting he had some time to watch those murder investigation shows he loves on TV.
At one point I thought I had found a new hobby. If I started Jan. 3, I could likely make an entire nativity scene for my mother by next year, or even get started on one of those winter-scene villages people have under their Christmas trees.
However, about a month into the ornament adventure, I realized painted ornaments are much more memorable when they are painted by 3-year-olds. The fact is, there is a reason I did not major in art in college.

Home again
One of the more difficult things about the holiday is arriving home. First we were tired. When we walked in the door, the house was exactly as we left it.
Christmas wrap was all over the coffee table. The snacks we packed for the road trip but forgot near the front door smelled like they should, like four-day-old, room-temperature cheese.
We forgot we were taking care of the neighbors’ dog, so before we could get the car unloaded there was our friendly visitor with two days of pent-up energy ready to investigate the room-temperature cheese.
Before we could even begin to put away the gifts we received, we had to put away the clothes that were all over the bed because they wouldn’t fit in the suitcases.
But after a few days, the afterglow of the holiday sets in — especially with the addition of the new electric blanket on the bed.
Now, it’s on to the last big hoopla of the year, ringing in the new year.
After the bustle of Christmas, I’m content to spend New Year’s Eve giving the new electric blanket a test drive.
Worldwide traditions
While doing extensive research for this column, I came across some vital information on the Internet about New Year’s celebrations involving different-colored underwear.
In Ecuador, for example, it is believed that wearing yellow underwear will attract positive energy for the New Year.
In Mexico, it is red underwear for love and yellow for money.
In Spain and Italy, red underwear brings good luck. And yellow brings love in Venezuela.
I usually take New Year’s Eve fairly seriously and like to make a list of the good things about the outgoing year, as well as map out some goals for the new one. It’s not a dictate such as losing 10 pounds by February, although that would be nice.
In general, times with short days and long nights are good for mapping out the near future, or even just deciding what to plant in the garden this spring.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend was moving recently and thought of me when she thought of her oversized shefflera plant (umbrella plant).

It seems I was too hasty in thinking the plant would not survive outside in winter and I gave the plant to another good home.

Since then, readers have sent notes about their success with shefflera outdoors.

This included a note from Tom, who does a yard and garden show on KRBS radio, 107.1 FM in Oroville.

Tom sent a few photos of his shefflera, thriving outdoors.

I dig on his rock walkway.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

Refrain

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord. ...

(For a zillion more Christmas classics, continue reading)

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,
Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;
Son of the Father, begotten, not created;

Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

Refrain

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

Refrain

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;
Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?

Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Refrain

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!

From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.

"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring redeeming grace.

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Oh! You better watch out,
you better not cry,
you better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
He's checking it twice,
gonna find out who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping,
he knows when you're awake.
He knows when you've been bad or good,
so be good for goodness sake!

So...You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I'm Telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Little tin horns, little toy drums.
Rudy-toot-toot and rummy tum tums.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Little toy dolls that cuddle and coo,
Elephants, boats and Kiddie cars too.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

The kids in Girl and boy land
will have a jubilee.
They're gonna build a toy land town
all around the Christmas tree.

Ohh....You better watch out, you better not cry.
You better not pout, I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

O Christmas Tree
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!
Not only in the summertime,
But even in winter is thy prime.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!
For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!

Silent Night
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ the Savior, is born!
Christ the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolf
play in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolf with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee:
"Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!"

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Risen with healing in his wings,
Light and life to all he brings,
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lay His glory by
Born that man no more may die

Come Desire of Nations come,
Fix in us thy humble home.
Rise, the woman's conquering Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent's head.
Adam's likeness now efface
Stamp thine image in its place

Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!
I
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
II
And surely ye 'll be your pint' stowp,
And surely I 'll be mine,
And we 'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!
III
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we 've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne.
IV
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
V
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie 's a hand o' thine,
And we 'll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne!
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindess yet
For auld lang syne!

Joy to the World
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
while fields and floods,
rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessing flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness,
and wonders of His love,
and wonders of His love,
and wonders, wonders of His love.

Greensleeves
William Chatterdon Dixs
Version 1 & 2
What child is this, who, lay to rest,
on Mary's lap, is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while Shepards watch are keeping

Chorus

This, this is Christ the King
whom Shepards guard and angels sing
Haste, Haste, to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary

Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners
here the silent Word is pleading

Chorus

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh come,
peasant, King, to own him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone Him

Chorus
Version 2
Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves

Your vows you've broken, like my heart,
Oh, why did you so enrapture me?
Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity

I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave,
I have both wagered life and land,
Your love and good-will for to have

If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me,
And even so, I still remain
A lover in captivity

My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
but still thou hadst it readily
Thy music still to play and sing;
And yet thou wouldst not love me

Well, I will pray to God on high,
that thou my constancy mayst see,
And that yet once before I die,
Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,
To God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me

Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you, and to you our wassail, too.
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year

We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door;
But we are neighbours' children whom you have seen before. Refrain

We have a little purse made of ratching leather skin;
We want a little sixpence to line it well within. Refrain

God bless the master of this house, likewise the mistress, too;
And all the little children that round the table go. Refrain

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer. Refrain

We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here. Refrain

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Silver Bells
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling
of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all this bustle
You'll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day

The Christmas Song
Lyrics by Mel Torme

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev'ry mother's
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I'm offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho' it's been said many times
Many ways; "Merry Christmas to you"

Up on the Housetop
B.R. Hanby

Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down thru the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones
Christmas joys

Chorus
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down thru the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Repeat Chorus

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks

Repeat Chorus

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
Irish Rovers

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog,
And we'd begged her not to go.
But she'd left her medication,
So she stumbled out the door into the snow.

When they found her Christmas mornin',
At the scene of the attack.
There were hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin' Claus marks on her back.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now were all so proud of Grandpa,
He's been takin' this so well.
See him in there watchin' football,
Drinkin' beer and playin' cards with cousin Belle.

It's not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family's dressed in black.
And we just can't help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin' home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now the goose is on the table
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
That would just have matched the hair in Grandma's wig.

I've warned all my friends and neighbours.
Better watch out for yourselves."
They should never give a license,
To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin' home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother's house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow.
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the woods
To have a full day of play.
Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
For it is Christmas Day.

Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray;
Spring o'er the ground just like a hound,
For this is Christmas Day.

Over the river and through the woods
And straight through the barnyard gate.
It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
It is so hard to wait.

Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandma's cap I spy.
Hurrah for fun; the pudding's done;
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.

Frosty the Snow Man

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day
There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance around
O Frosty the snowman
was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh
and play just the same as you and me
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman knew
the sun was hot that day
So he said
"Let's run and
we'll have some fun
now before I melt away
" Down to the village
with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all
around the square saying
Catch me if you can
He led them down the streets of town
right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler "Stop!"
For Frosty the snow man
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
"Don't you cry
I'll be back again some day
" Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

White Christmas
Irving Berlin 1942

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Jingle Bells
James Pierpont - 1857

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight

Chorus
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh

A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright, was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank, misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank and we got upsot
(Chorus)

A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by, in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away
(Chorus)

Now the ground is white, go it while you're young
Take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bob-tailed bay, two-forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh and crack! you'll take the lead
(Chorus)

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say;
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you'll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.

When the clock is striking twelve,
When I'm fast asleep,
Down the chimney broad and black,
With your pack you'll creep;
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest one,
You'll be sure to know.

Johnny wants a pair of skates;
Susy wants a dolly;
Nellie wants a story book;
She thinks dolls are folly;
As for me, my little brain
Isn't very bright;
Choose for me, old Santa Claus,
What you think is right.

We Three Kings of Orient Are
[John H. Hopkins, Jr., 1857]

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
(Chorus)

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.
(Chorus)

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
(Chorus)

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.
(Chorus)

Blue Christmas
B.Hayes, J.Johnson (c) 1948

I'll have a blue Christmas without you;
I'll be so blue thinking about you.
Decorations of red
on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if
you're not here with me.

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain;
And when that blue heartache starts hurting,
You'll be doing all right
with your Christmas of white,
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
from the film Meet Me In St. Louis
Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 1943

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here were are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Here Comes Santa Claus
Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman (c) 1947

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
He's got a bag that is filled with toys
for the boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

I'll Be Home for Christmas
Kim Gannon, Walter Kent (c) 1943

I'll be home for Christmas;
You can count on me.
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree.
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light gleams.
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.

Jingle Bell Rock
Bobby Helms

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock.

Let It Snow!
Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne (c) 1945

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Sleigh Ride
Mitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson 1948

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "You Hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap let's go
Let's look at the snow
We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're gliding along with the song
Of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two
Birds of a feather would be

Let's take the road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop
Pop! Pop! Pop!

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives

Winter Wonderland
Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
in the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
we're happy tonight,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
as we go along,
walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
we'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
when you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
as we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
the plans that we've made,
walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
and pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When I was a kid we went Christmas caroling with the family. Usually it was less than elaborate. The extended family would trek through the track home subdivisions. Dad played the guitar and we had the lyrics to songs printed on white copy paper.
People really don’t know what to think nowadays when carolers approach a darkened street. In 1992 my sister and I organized a caroling party that ended up being held on a very cold night. Only a smattering of friends showed up. Most of the doors where we knocked didn’t open and one “neighbor” even slammed the door in our face.

Maybe people think the smiles on our faces and the dollar-store felt Santa hats are a big ruse for scoping out the neighborhood for pre-Christmas thievery.
Despite that past disappointment, Tommy and I had good intentions to organize a Christmas caroling event. That idea came and went.
Instead, we went out on a Thursday night with our neighbor Curious George to see the Yule Logs play, Chico’s favorite Christmas band.
http://www.myspace.com/theyulelogs.
Last weekend Tommy and I were scouring downtown for fun with our friend Artie. We had burned ourselves out on pinball and before calling it an early night Artie suggested we pop into the Downtown Plaza and adore the Christmas tree.

After a few minutes of discussion about the degree of creativity applied to the downtown Christmas tree lights, someone started humming “Oh Christmas tree.”
That was all we needed to officially be on a roll.
I was impressed by the two men, wholeheartedly embracing the moment and belting out Christmas cheer. It didn’t matter much when we invariably forgot the words and started adding he internationally-recognized “da-da-da-da-da-don,” to the end of each stanza.
It really didn’t matter much at all.
We had an ever-so-brief moment of recognition when a cop cruised by, paused, and determined us to be harmless and sober.
A transient gave us a high-five before bundling back into the shelter of the plaza stage. A couple who were making out near the bathrooms also sauntered by unsteadily on their way to some other holiday celebration.

So that we’ll be prepared if an impromptu caroling experience ever again presents itself, I did some research on those oft-elusive second versus of the more popular holiday songs.
They’re listed on my blog, www.norcalblogs.com/sowthere. You can also find them at:
http://xmasfun.com/Lyrics.asp
http://www.the-north-pole.com/carols/2front.html
http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/christmas_carols
http://www.41051.com/xmaslyrics/index.html
http://www.mikeleal.com/christmas

Oh come let us adorn thee
It’s been too chilly to do much work in the yard lately. And frankly, too much of my time has been spent sitting in my car waiting for thousands of people to take a left-hand turn into various places that sell holiday gifts.
However, I came across a few articles about ways to incorporate gardening into Christmas wrap.
Chinese pistache trees are common throughout town (check out the parking lot at Trader Joe’s). The seed pods from these trees fall when there is a brisk wind. The pods are red (and sometimes green) and make a great substitute for bows on a package.
In that same train of thought, now is a good time to prune back perennials such as lavender and sage. Sprigs from these plants make great package-toppers that double aroma-therapy for the relatives.
I saw this on the Rachael Ray show, so you won’t have to embarrass your friends by saying you read this idea in some goofy garden column.
With all the sentiments being thrown around right now, most of it commercially-induced, the easiest words to act upon are to be good to those you love and try to throw in some random acts of kindness.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We live in California, so we don’t really know what it’s like to be miserably cold. Tommy talks to his parents in Iowa most every week and they have very little sympathy for us when we complain about needing to wear warm sweaters around the house.

Instead, they tell true tales about the hazards of getting the car out of the driveway and whose turn it is to shovel off the front walkway.
When my mom lived in Minnesota, she would meet me at the airport with the full Minnesota outdoor outfit including boots with good tread, hat, gloves and the kind of coat you would use on an Antarctic expedition.
That said, Californians are pretty much considered weaklings if we complain about cold winters to anyone who has ever lived in the Midwest.

In fact, when Mom first moved to Minnesota, she was surprised, and a little bit freaked out, when all the tall Scandinavian descendants got excited about winter. That’s when outdoor sports really get going, such as cross-country skiing, outdoor ice skating and ice fishing.
In Northern California, winter sports include things like actually going inside the store to buy a latté instead of going through the drive-through.
Winter here doesn’t keep me from doing the ritualistic morning garden tour. I grab a cup of coffee, wrap up in my purple robe and fleece cap and check out how the plants are faring.
Tommy has already begun a project in the yard to build a new garden bed. One day he dug out the crabgrass and turned over a large amount of soil.
Recently he moved a pile of rocks we had accumulated and made a border for this new planting space.
I think that’s pretty good for now and if nothing else gets done until April ... so be it.
There’s always a to-do list, but somehow that list ends up being more of a conversation piece than an actual plan of action.
We like our neighborhood and take walks frequently and Tommy knows most of the dogs in the neighborhood by name. Being mindful of what’s going on has been a bonus for the garden over the years.
One day Tommy saw some tree cutters and arranged to have a big truck-load of mulch delivered to our yard.

Several times we’ve been in the right place at the right time to pick up bulbs, walnuts or coax people out of some flower seeds.
Recently Tommy was touring a back alley and came across a house where the owners were tearing out an old white picket fence.
The mostly perfectly-good fence posts were lying on the side of their property and Tommy asked if he could haul them away.
Now the fence posts are lying in a remote part of the yard. Plans are for our friend the Shepherd to come over and help build the fence.
Realistically, I’m not making any wagers as to the speed at which that fence will be erected. However, just the idea that it might happen is very sweet indeed.
Plus, those who study psychology have documented that being inside during winter causes negative ion deficiency, which decreases serotonin levels and leads to grumpiness, or worse.
That said, for once a project that makes me happy (having a fence built) can actually physically make Tommy happier as well.
Personally, I think I should be exempt from being expected to complete winter projects. I’m thrilled if I manage to send Christmas cards before New Year’s Day.

Days will be longer
By the way, Dec. 21 is the winter solstice. The solstice marks the longest night of the year. I like this day because it is filled with hope. After the solstice, people can give themselves an inner boost by thinking that from that day on, the days will be getting longer.
That’s enough to cheer someone up in the middle of winter, especially when there is a long winter to-do list hanging on the refrigerator.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last weekend we trudged up a dry dirt road above Butte Meadows in search of the elusive perfect Christmas tree.

This year was going to be different.

Last year we dared not venture too high into the hills because we had the Barbie car, which really has no business being on a snow-covered road.

The Barbie car and Curious George's pickup both got stuck in the snow.

Later, after we had found a tree, traffic was backed up for about two hours as a tow truck pulled two big four-wheel-drives out of a snow bank.

Luckily, the crowd was in good spirits. Kids threw snowballs and pretended they were ice skating on the slick surface of the road.

By the time the crowd was given the go-ahead to head back down the hill, ice had covered a bridge, making the descent similar to a slip-and-slide.

This year Tommy borrowed a truck from a friend. With dry weather, the roads were clear.

I dreamed of being able to head to higher altitudes where we had heard the silver-tip trees could be found. We see the silver-tip trees every year in the back of other people's trucks.

This year our caravan passed the mass of cars and trucks parked at a large clearing just a few miles from where we had seen the sign that said it was OK to cut a Christmas tree. We traveled farther, to where the road turned to dirt and began to switch back and forth for a steep climb. We felt comfortable we were going the right direction because all of the trucks coming back down the hill had gorgeous trees
tied in the back.

The lead car in our caravan pulled over to the side of the road where there was a large grouping of trees.

Three carloads of adults, kids and dogs unloaded, bundled up and began the search.

Unlike choosing a tree from a tree lot, one cannot expect to find the perfect tree in nature. The trees grow in clusters, so inevitably one side of the tree is bare where it grew munched up next to another half a dozen trees trying to eke out an existence on the rocky hillside.

The trick is to find a tree where the bald side is the perfect fit for where the tree will be jammed up against the bookshelf in the living room.

Once you get the ornaments and the lights on the tree, all imperfections are forgotten.

For $10 for a tree-cutting permit, finding a tree on public land is a bargain. Plus, it's a great one-day adventure. Our friend the Goatman drove with us and even obliged when I insisted that we sing Christmas carols on the drive up.

However, once we got down the hill and refilled the gas tank, we realized how much more economical it would have been to drive the Barbie car.

Leaf pickup

Most of the leaves have fallen from the maple tree in the backyard. We pulled all the tomato plants out of the ground about a month ago and threw the plants in the green-waste can.

I avoided composting the tomato plants because hornworms can live in the soil during the winter.

I'm experimenting this year and asked Tommy not to rake up the leaves so that winter weeds won't have as hospitable a place to grow.

However, I wondered whether we should dig the leaves away from other plants. Perhaps the leaves would make a nice insulation from the winter chill.

Joe Connell, UC Davis adviser, said he didn't see much harm in allowing the leaves to decompose right where they are, providing nutrients to the soil.

However, any plants that need to continue to use their leaves for energy during the winter should be carefully uncovered. For plants that go dormant in winter, there's no reason to uncover them.

Joe cautioned that care should be taken that the leaves don't pile up around the crowns of some plants because the leaf mulch can become heavy and soggy and create phytophthora crown rot.

We'll keep an eye out for that.

Posted by Heather Hacking at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)