Frankincense & Myrrh

We're in Oman, the balmy gorgeous place of frankincense & myrrh, white sand, palm trees & gorgeous blue seas. Its Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care . . .  except our stockings were hung by our roaring fireplace over a week ago. Our Christmas Eve already enjoyed, our traditional Christmas Dinner & all delicious trimmings already devoured. Our family & Santa's gifts opened & utilised. Yet, here we are when the children are nestled all snug in their beds,  while visions of sugar-plums dance in their heads; Ooh the nostalgia bubbles over, pleasures remain of such unaffected joys when things seemed so much more wholesome & innocent.  With great awe & wonder I ponder about such traditional innocence & humble expectations of such children from years gone by in comparison to the sophistication, great expense & wild expectation of whats in their stockings of today's children. Wondering how many would be happy with gifts of a satsuma, an apple, a chocolate bar, a wee wooden game & perhaps even an annual! Contemplating the true wealth of sharing gifts in celebration of, in pure essence, the symbolism of all Jesus birth represents. Contemplating the media massacre of such innocence. How Christmas seems much more about Santa, about having the latest gadgets, how ego & pride seem to hold the reins of the reindeers sleigh.Its all about price, all about being cool, looking good & buying the best.  How many children will judge their day by the quantity of gifts they receive, some by the quality of gifts they receive or don't receive.  How many teeny little young things will receive senseless gifts of mobile phones & laptops in place of family board games. How many will receive almost adult style underwear in place of fleecy pyjamas. so many things seem ooh so insignificant to the mass majority of buyers. Trends set in high streets, minds brainwashed weeks in advance by tv media advertising hype, the sensationalisation & sexualisation of anything & everything . Is it just me that longs for the simplicity of those bygone era's, when a satsuma really was a seasonal treat, when a new dress at Christmas was astoundingly exciting & sooo much appreciated & loved , worn only for such special special occasions like Christmas eve mass, Christmas day dinner etc When all of the family gathered at the family home, friends & relatives all frequent for mulled wine & mince pies.When children were allowed to be children & not mini adults. A world of imagination & games, fun & pleasure in creativity. The joys of such special religious celebrations, nativity & Christingles.  Quiet prayers rejoice so many things to be thankful for. Good Health & Happiness, Goodwill & Peace to all.  What more is there to say, or to wish for .. sooooo ..  in the Universal stocking hung with care upon the worlds chimney or bed, my desires, my wishes, my needs are so simple .. I wish for the stocking to be filled with Peace, with Love, with Goodwill - for Health & Happiness to pervade the hearts & minds of all mankind regardless of their December 25th creed & culture.  I wish for stockings filled with gifts of gratitude wrapped in ribbons & bows to be shared by all,  presents laced with simplicity of needs & the value of all things most significant in the traditions of celebrating Christmas. When all is calm, all is bright  - with the dawn of redeeming grace, with the angles let us sing .. sleep in heavenly peace in Love's pure light.