“Wintersong”

People who are born close to Christmas will often, sadly, have their special day combined with Christmas. Even if they do get to celebrate their birthday, it will probably always seem to be in the shadow of Christmas. Christmas is such a powerful time of year in our culture, that it can cause just as much sadness as it can pleasure.

While we are inundated with gift promotions and pictures of happy children and adults, there is a rather unfortunate aspect of this holiday. It can be a reminder of less happy times during the holiday period. Imagine losing a loved one just before, or just after, Christmas. You will be reminded of the event for many years to come simply because of the timing. A “Merry Christmas” can be quite the opposite for so many people.

My (late) older sister was born on the same day as myself but 3 years earlier. It is impossible for me to have a birthday without being reminded of her. In my case those thoughts are happy ones, but when I am watching the news on TV during the next 2 weeks, I am really hoping that nobody will get killed or otherwise die unexpectedly because the ones they leave behind are going to be reminded of it every year at this time.

Christmas may well be a  time of celebrations; of being charitable; of appreciating what we have when compared to so many others … but is also a time of great sadness for so many.

26 thoughts on ““Wintersong””

  1. Hi Colin! Reading this and listening to Ms. McLachlan sing makes my heart ache. Yes, Christmas can be a very sad time of year. Since I was in college, and, I am now 56, it has been very hard to want to celebrate it; however I do out of respect for the fact that it is supposed to be the time of Christs birth. I lost my father that Thanksgiving before Christmas to cancer. I lost my mother the following year on January 7th right after Christmas. It is a very hard time. I really appreciate my pets at that time of year as they get me through it. I rescued them and at that time of year they rescue me!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Well I don’t want to put a damper on your Christmas, but I understand that Christ was born around August time. The pagans of early church times celebrated something around December 25, and the Church decided that the best way to convert them to Christianity would be to move Christ’s birthday accordingly so they would be more receptive! We are a devious species aren’t we!
      So sorry to hear about the associations you have with this time of you, but perhaps your parents would smile if they could see you having a bit of a blast with your furry friends? Have a lovely time over the holidays, and all the very best for the New Year. 🙂

      Like

      • Thank you for your kind thoughts. I have found one way to make Christmas special. That is through giving back. My church has a Christmas box or boxes that we each fill with toys, items such as soaps, toothbrushes, shampoo, or whatever and they are sent to third-world countries to children of all ages. I usually add shoes as well. I write a small note with my name and address in hopes I might just get a pen pal. I just hope that my box bring some joy to a child somewhere in this world.
        And, yes, Colin, we can be a devious species! LOL!!! And you my new friend…please have a very Merry Christmas and New Year! It is hard to believe that it is upon once more. I am getting old or the years are passing by too fast.
        Take care.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Thank you … both for helping the less fortunate, and for the Christmas wishes. I rather suspect that I have a few years on you so … based on my experience, the years get progressively faster and faster. Have a great Christmas regardless and who knows … in a few moments … it may well be Christmas again! 🙂

          Like

  2. Sadly sad things do not stop because of Christmas, the hype, the waste, the jollification does not change how brutal life is. I do not mean to be morbid but those are the facts as I see them. I am sorry you have lost your sister , I also lost one of mine.
    Be well and happy this Christmas, be blessed, spare a thought for the depressed, the homeless the ill and lonely, but don’t let it overwhelm you 💜

    Liked by 2 people

  3. My dear mom was born on Christmas day so we always make a special point of making it separate and fun for her. You can never go wrong with a song by Sarah. Christmas or any other time (but alas your version won’t show up in the US-darn old copyright rules!). 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I don’t usually need a tissue for Christmas songs but this isn”t your typical cheery Christmas song.
    But it is a beautiful, poignant song!
    You are so righr, sadly Christmas can be a very depressing time for some.

    I have had the same thoughts when watching the news close to Christmas. My heart just breaks extra hard for those who endure tragedy close to what is often portrayed as “the most wonderful time of the year!

    Thanks for the gentle reminder of being aware at how some are shedding tears this time of year.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.