This goes here 'cuz there was nowhere better to put it. With Hanukkah ending, Solstice just behind us, and Christmas just ahead...and with the events of Maine now an unpleasant memory...and with a gremlin on a leash needing a good home, or to be sent back home...we need some cheerful singing 'round here.

First, being the druid I am, a carol for the Solstice, written by the friend of a very dear friend of mine...

Deep in the heart of late December,
Softly the snow begins to fall.
Slowly the light fades into darkness,
As we begin the longest night of all.

Watching, waiting, light is fading,
On the longest night of all.

Looking around, we see the darkness,
Turning within, we hope for light.
Here, in our circle, deep and dreaming,
Silent, we wait throughout the night.

Watching, waiting, light is fading,
On the longest night of all.

Lo, can you see it? Can you feel it?
Has a different time begun?
Yes, in the heart of late December
Comes the promise of the sun!

Watching, waiting, light is fading,
On the longest night of all!

I don't know if any of our members are Jewish, but I do enjoy this little carol...

Light one candle for the Maccabee children,
With thanks that their light didn't die...
Light one candle for the pain they endured
When their right to exist was denied...
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice
Justice and freedom demand.
Light one candle for the wisdom to know
When the Peacemaker's time is at hand!

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years!
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears!

Light one candle for the strength that we need
To never become our own foe...
Light one candle for those who are suff'ring
Pain we learned so long ago...
Light one candle for all we believe in,
That anger not tear us apart.
Light one candle to find us together
With peace as a song in our heart!

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years!
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears!

What is the mem'ry that's valued so highly
That we keep it alive in that flame?
What's the commitment to those who have died?
We cry out they've not died in vain!
We have come this far always believing
That justice will somehow prevail,
This is the burden, this is the promise,
AND THIS IS WHY WE WILL NOT FAIL!

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years!
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears!

Don't let the light go out!
Don't let the light go out!
Don't let the light go out!

And finally, a carol to honor Christmas... It's my favorite, but one that probably noone here has heard. Hard to believe as it may seem, it was actually written by the Quakers...

It's winter and light is alive on the earth,
Wake up, it's Christmas morning!
Moonlight and starlight and firelight give birth,
Wake up, the Christ-child's a-borning!

He's man and he's woman, he's old and he's young,
He's Buddhist and Christian and Jew!
She's wealthy, she's poor and she's black and she's white,
And oh yes, the Christ-child is you!

Sisters and brothers, whatever your sleep,
Wake up, it's Christmas morning!
Bring with you dreams for the daylight to keep,
Wake up, the Christ-child's a-borning!

He's man and he's woman, he's old and he's young,
He's Buddhist and Christian and Jew!
She's wealthy, she's poor and she's black and she's white,
And oh yes, the Christ-child is you!

Jesus was good and he lived long ago,
Wake up, it's Christmas morning!
You are good to and are living now so,
Wake up, the Christ-child's a-borning!

He's man and he's woman, he's old and he's young,
He's Buddhist and Christian and Jew!
She's wealthy, she's poor and she's black and she's white,
And oh yes, the Christ-child is you!

Seasons Greetin's From Maine

Happy Holidays to you and your whole family KT, from me, Molly, Duke, and the rest of us here in Cypress Cove.

Happy Holidays.