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Silent Night
by Elizabeth Dargis
Christmas as an adult is exhausting and overwhelming. Shopping, cooking,
writing cards, shopping, baking, entertaining, shopping. But, one night
in December is different from the whirl of the other nights for my
family. We hold our “silent night”. Early in the season we mark the date
and make sure everyone is home that evening.
Silent Night begins after dinner. We turn on the tree lights and we
light candles around our living room. All the rest of the lights in the
house are turned off. No music, TV, and other noise is allowed. No one
talks. We cuddle on the couch together under a blanket and watch the
lights dance. Our minds settle. We become relaxed and peaceful. The
children’s eyes glitter from the candlelight. Contented smiles warm
their faces. They remind me of adoring angels.
When we are ready, we each sit in the living room reading an
inspirational book. We read by the glow of the candles as in times past.
I always read the Christmas story in Luke. Something new is revealed
each time. The kids enjoy Christmas stories like a “Little House
Christmas” or “Angels and Donkeys”. Afterwards we pray silently thanking
God for this season.
Softly someone starts singing, “Silent Night.” Others join in singing
barely above a whisper. Our music fades away at the end of the chorus
and we are quiet again. We listen to the silence for a few more moments.
Without a word, we blow out the candles, until no light remains but our
tree lights. I can hear our breathing. The darkness seems to bring with
it even more silence.
Then the silent night is over. We give each other hugs and turn on the
lights. We continue our night- doing homework, chores and Christmas
planning. But, we are all a little more quiet, a lot more peaceful and
still glow from the light of the candles.
About the author
Beth Dargis is a life and career coach who works with stressed-out
people to help them achieve peace, balance and purpose. E-mail Beth at
the address above for a free exploratory session to get started on an
action plan for your life.
http://www.encouragingcoach.com
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