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| Duane A. Lienemann UNL Extension Educator |
Of course to the political correct it is just a Holiday; a break from work; a plethora of bowl games; or an excuse to over-indulge in our favorite foods. In the grand scheme of things, winter solstice doesn’t even come close to the real reason for the season. Although we enjoy the winter solstice because we get to balance the negative of the beginning of winter and the prospect of more cold weather with the positive knowledge that the days are beginning to get longer, even if it’s ever so slowly. But to many people, including myself, Christmas is a deeply religious time of the year and is celebrated accordingly. To others, the religious meaning is incorporated into a broader celebration and, to some, religion plays no role in their activities what-so-ever. I do believe, however, that few people can totally ignore the holidays, and even the most Scrooge-like folks absorb the spirit of giving and goodwill to men that it is so embedded in this time of year.
It truly is the season when our friends and neighbors do the most wonderful things. I am in awe of the number of people who spend their hard-earned money and/or talents to make sure others have a great Christmas. It’s so gratifying to watch people use this time of year to spread happiness and joy to others. Look closely, and you will see people singing carols at nursing homes, gathering baskets of food, stuffing Christmas stockings, and contributing money. You will see Church groups seeing to the needs of those less fortunate. You will see many people playing Santa Claus in ways that will amaze you – and yes even some really playing Santa Claus to bring joy to kids – young and old! People give in their own ways!
These people who give so much to others come from all walks of life, from all religious persuasions, and from all social and financial positions. These are the people who truly understand that giving is better than receiving, that by helping others we make all lives and our world better. I am proud to be a Nebraskan and to be a part of the world that has not forgotten about the real meaning of Christmas. The real reason for the season. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ!
It would be easy to focus on all the horrible things going on in the world and let those incidents overpower the meaning of Christmas. Sometimes, when we consider the people who commit evil acts and those who are self-serving and dishonest, it’s difficult to remember all those who do good things. And the number of problems sometimes appears so massive and so terrible that our hearts hurt, and we wonder if there is any hope. Then, we look around us and see the good in our own towns and little communities, see the people who give so much of their time and talents, see the people who benefit from the good in others and know there is still hope. I just encourage everyone to keep the true Christmas Spirit!
I thought I would end this week’s edition with a rendition of a familiar poem that I found several years ago. It goes like this ---- “Twas the night before Christmas back home on the farm. The cattle were chewing their cuds in the barn. The feed bags were hung by the mangers with care, in case Old St. Nicholas chanced to stop there. The heifers were nestled all snug in their stalls, while visions of summertime danced 'cross the walls. Well, me in my slippers, and Ma in her smock, had just finished filling our little one's sock. When out in the barnyard there rose such a clatter. I sprang from my chair to see just what twas the matter. Away to the window I flew in a fright, turned on the yard light, and peered through the night. The moon's mystic light on the snow-covered scene, made the countryside look like a fog-shrouded dream. When, what sailed right under some low hanging boughs, but a miniature sleigh, and eight flighty cows. With a little old driver so lively and quick. I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More strongly than tractors his little cows came, and he whistled and 'come-bossed' and called them by name. - 'Now Dolly! Now Debbie! Now Pammy and Flossie! On Cora! On Countess! On Dinah and Bossie! To the top of the barn, to the front of the stall. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all! So on past the granary those tiny cows flew, with a sleigh full of gifts, and St. Nicholas, too. I saw them descend on the roof of the barn, so I dashed from the house, eyes wide with alarm. As I fastened the door and was turning around, down the hay chute St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in denim and flannel from collar to cuff, and his clothes were all covered with hayseeds and stuff. His pocket revealed a bright kerchief of red. He had a farmer-type cap perched way back on his head. It suddenly struck me, I think you'll agree, he's a miniature version of you or of me! He put down his bundle with lightning-like speed, and he looked like a cattleman opening some feed. His eyes how they flashed when he opened his pack, and pulled out some gifts for the heifers out back. Some glass for the window that lets in the breeze, a coil for the pipes so the water won't freeze. More grain for the cows and sows, some straw for the stalls, some lime for the alleys to stop those bad falls. Semen straws from sires with an easy-calving plus, things that make cows as happy as us. He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, and filled all the feed bags, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, giving a nod, up the hay chute he rose. I stood there a moment, my head hung in shame. I’d forgotten my cows when this Christmastime came. So, I patted Old Bessie as I turned out the light. Happy Christmas, you cows, and to all a Good Night!” – Author Unknown------Thank you to all who give! Remember the reason for the season! Merry Christmas!!!!
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
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