Tag Archives: Christmas

Strange Critters from the North

As if our strange great southern landWas scarce of critters that are in no way blandWith roos and echidnas and platypi galoreWallabies and quokkas sniffing at the door It seems that December is a time to importAdditional life forms of a festive sort. “Elf on a shelf” has been around for a whileGrowing in number,Continue reading “Strange Critters from the North”

All that Glitters …

“No more glitter on the shelves,”So decree those Christmas elves,“Micro-plastics bring sad disgraceand festive cheer must make new space.” Hear the protests loud and strongCancelling Christmas? – Oh how wrong!“Fear not!” the Christmas angels sing,“Bethl’em’s manger wore no bling!” https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/major-retailers-scrapping-glittery-decorations-this-christmas-c-8407284

Thirteenth Day of Christmas

Thirteenth day of Christmas! Is there such a thing? There is a parody verse that is sometimes added to the well known 12 days song. The beloved is so overwhelmed by the noisy, messy menagerie of gifts that she wants to return them!There is a little known “13th day” observation that observes the day followingContinue reading “Thirteenth Day of Christmas”

Twelfth Day of Christmas

Twelve drummers drumming refers to the twelve dot points of the Apostle’s Creed which, in Roman Catholic tradition runs “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of theContinue reading “Twelfth Day of Christmas”

‘leventh of Christmas

I have been chided simultaneously both for being overly strict to form and too free and easy. This means I’ve got it about right. Even so, squeezing “Eleventh day of Christmas into a 5 syllable haiku opening has me bracing myself! I am told the pipers piping are the eleven faithful apostles (after Judas hasContinue reading “‘leventh of Christmas”

Ninth Day of Christmas

The Good Book tells us “… the [nine] fruit of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5), and the song gives us nine ladies dancing. Ninth Day of ChristmasPirouetting, whirling danceSpirit rejoices. In the soft tones of nativity, Spirit nurtures maturity.

Eighth Day of Christmas

The eighth day of Christmas coincides with the first day of the New Year on the Gregorian calendar. In Christian symbolism, coincidentally, it stands for resurrection, regeneration and new beginnings (eight people not only survived the Great Deluge, but represent humanity’s new start.) All this in eight maids a-milkin’! Eighth day of ChristmasExit old, inContinue reading “Eighth Day of Christmas”

Seven of Christmas

I have to title it this way to manage a haiku’s first line of five syllables (eleven will present a challenge!) “Seven swans a swimming” traditionally represent the old charismatic gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Seven of ChristmasSages of long past agesRenew our deep fire Digging intoContinue reading “Seven of Christmas”

Sixth Day of Christmas

Six geese a-layin’ somehow symbolise the six days of creation. The prologue of the fourth gospel draws strong identification of the Logos, Christ, with the beginning of all things. Somehow geese invite contemplation of how even the absurd fits into the matrix of all that is. Sixth day of ChristmasGeese and ganders proud paradesound forthContinue reading “Sixth Day of Christmas”