Postlude

It's interesting to type "Is Christmas a secular holiday?" into your web browser. Depending on your point of view, you'll either be shocked or nodding your head sagely as you view what shows up.  Most of the links are arguments supporting the concept that Christmas is no longer a religious holiday.  I can't wrap my head around the idea that a large number of people who celebrate Christmas just consider it a holiday with gifts and pretty decorations and Santa Claus.  No religious aspect at all. 

I even read one forum where a poster made fun of the "old-fashioned" custom of baking a birthday cake for the baby Jesus.  Hmmm.  That was one of our traditions when my kids were little.  I guess I'm older than I thought.

After the carols have faded,

And the gifts have been tucked away.
And the candles are stubs of formless wax
And the snow has mouldered to gray-

After the holly withers.

And the berries are rusted brown,
And the carpets sparkle with tinseled fir
Where needles come tumbling down—

After the dream has ended,

And the embers are burning low,
May the Christ, the Heart of Christmas,
Still brighten the afterglow.
        ~Alice E. Kenelly