One More Sleep Till Christmas

Saturday, December 21, 2013

“One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas”

Because I am out of town and staying with friends, my Lenten observance was slighted in a couple of ways today.  To avoid waking them, I didn’t sing.  Because I left my hymnal at home, I forgot to even try.

So tonight, as I prepared to type up this message on Word instead of the blog post because my new computer is not configured for their wireless network, I remembered last night when a friend asked everyone their favorite Christmas song.  Some had categories for traditional carols and secular songs.

“One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas” was my straight-up favorite.  I remember one year complaining that my voice was completely gone on the one day in the entire year it is appropriate to sing that song.

But it feels appropriate even now.  Across the day, I’ve had with multiple people discussions of how Christmas is, in one way or another, already starting.  Given the weekend, people who can are already off to see family.  Gifts between those who split up for Christmas have already been exchanged.  Heck, I exchanged gifts this morning.

There’s already magic in the air, even this early.

I wonder if Christmas always infects the tail end of Advent, and I wonder if this is, in a way, appropriate.  The last of the waiting for the Second Coming, if we watch the signs and understand them as such, will be easier and sweeter and more joyful for knowing that soon all will be made right.  Presumably.  With those who welcome His coming already, surely it will begin to feel like the promise is already being fulfilled.

That’s my current theory anyway.  It’s hard not to enjoy a time when most everybody is trying to be nicer and more loving and set some of the old cynicism and irony aside.  We are all aloud to be a bit more earnest.  We are all allowed to sing.

About a month ago, I was at a party with the same group of people (nearly) as last night.  I had the sudden urge left over from grad school days to start a singalong to go with the roaring fire.  Last night, three of us burst into song a couple of times and I did a few solos because I could.  No one batted an eye, and it was even considered just – cool.

This time of year.  This whole time of year.  One more sleep till Christmas?  Kermit, I think you might be wrong.  You even describe it in your song – Christmas is already here.

There’s magic in the air this evening, magic in the air

The world is at her best, you know, when people laugh and care

The promise of excitement is one the night will keep

After all there’s only one more sleep till Christmas.

There’s something in the wind today that’s good for everyone.

Yes, faith is in our hearts today, we’re shinin’ like the sun

And everyone can see it, the feeling’s running deep

After all, there’s only one more sleep till Christmas.