Monday Musings: Unlocking the Power of Sentimental Words

How can we captivate the essence of the season? The traditions? The feelings surrouding the holidays — the postive and the negative? I often find the answers in books, poems, movies and songs.

The ones that offer nostaglia, warmth and a familiar place are my favortie.

___

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” —Edith Sitwell

“The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung.” —Phillips Brooks

“We light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible.” —Nachum Braverman

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” ―Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” —Alexander Smith

“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin—inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.” —John J. Geddes

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” —Buddy the Elf

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” —Oprah Winfrey

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.” —Fred Rogers

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” —Agnes Mae Pharo

“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” —Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas