Christmas Eve Caroling

Caroling children make Christmas joyful.

Christmas Eve

A Frosty Christmas-eve ' when the stars were shining

Fared I forth alone ' where westward falls the hill

And from many a village ' in the water'd valley

Distant music reached me ' peals of bells a-ringing;

The constellated sounds ' ran sprinkling on earth's floor

As the dark vault above ' with stars was spangled o'er.

Then sped my thoughts to keep ' that first Christmas of all

When the shepherds watching ' by their folds ere the dawn

Heard music in the fields ' and marveling could not tell

Whether it were angels ' or the bright stars singing.

Now blessed be the towers ' that crown England so fair

That stand up strong in prayer ' unto God for our souls:

Blessed be their founders ' (said I) and our country-folk

Who are ringing for Christ ' in the rattling ropes that race

Into the dark above ' and the mad romping din.

But to me heard afar ' it was heav'nly music

Angels' song comforting ' as the comfort of Christ

When he spake tenderly ' to his sorrowful flock:

The old words came to me ' by the riches of time

Mellow'd and transfigured ' as I stood on the hill

Hark'ning in the aspect ' of th' eternal silence.

by Robert Bridges

 

       Did you know that Mexican children put shoes in the window instead of hanging up stockings and find them filled with gifts in the morning? Their main Christmas meal may feature hot tamales too!

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the children

 of Mexico. by Mi Padrino.

How to make paper cherubs for the Christmas tree:

1. Punch a hole on the top and one on each side of an inverted paper salad cup.
2. With a white pipe cleaner, form halo 21/2 inches in diameter.
3. For the head, insert pipe cleaner into a Christmas ball.
4. For arms, insert another pipe cleaner through the side holes in cup. 
5. Insert halo through top hole of cup and tape pipe cleaner inside cup. 
6. Trace pattern of wings and glue or staple these on the back of cup.
7. Insert head through top hole and tape pipe cleaner in place.