It's getting closer to Christmas eve........when that silent hush starts to descend......when the frenzy starts to subside.........and when you have time to look around and check out the meaning of it all!
I've hung up my non-religious ceremony boots now until the New Year. But as they hang there getting ready for 2012, I'm mulling over just what Christmas means for all those I've worked with this year.
- To the families I've worked with who've lost someone special and who I've delivered a funeral service for - Christmas will be a difficult time. I want to say happy Christmas - but those words just don't seem right.
- To those couples who've stood before me renewing their vows - I hope that this Christmas brings you all that you hope for.....and then just that little bit more!
- To those families who've celebrated their new arrival's baby naming ceremony with me - Enjoy your first Christmas together in your new family - and all the stories and fairy tales that now begin.
- To the new business friendships I've encountered this year - I hope you've enjoyed our coffees and conversations as much as I have.
- And to those I have yet to meet and work with......here's to new beginnings!
This time of year affects us all differently. It means different things to different people. Wherever you are and whoever you're spending it with.......may it bring you all that you wish for - and only you know what that might be!
Have a warm and wonderful Christmas.....and above all - keep safe.
XCarole
Our winter frosts are starting........Heavy snowfalls in some parts of the country........shops crammed with bustling shoppers rushing to get into the christmas spirit! It's also that time of year when many eagerly awaited wedding or baby naming ceremonies are held........ and when many sad and unexpected funerals are conducted.
And even if you've opted for a non-religious approach to the ceremony - take some peace of mind in knowing that if you use an independent celebrant and not a humanist - then you can weave in an element of religion if that's your choice. Many people believe that you have two choices - religious or a humanistic non-religious ceremony. There is a 'middle of the road' option that caters for a mix of beliefs and values - Independent Celebrancy!
You can sing Christmas carols...........have moments of silence for private prayers.............take festive poems or readings that just spell out what's going on around us.
You may decide on a non-religious outlook for your ceremony. But do think about those who sit next to you and share your service. Sometimes there is something quite humbling about a large gathering of unfamiliar individuals, just subtly recognising the date in the calendar. It can bring everyone together without anyone stating the obvious. Religion doesn't have to be the main thread or focus of the service - but it can just be there!
We all deal with this time of year in our own ways - and that is how it should be. But weaving in elements of religion is just a way of valuing the beliefs of others........even if those values are not ones that you recognise yourself.
