Keeping and Caring for Christmas

I took a recent suggestion about displaying nativities in our own yards, instead of worrying about our city and town's being forced to stop the practice, due to offending the outspoken few. Proudly finding many others that did the same.

Keeping up with the demands we put on ourselves at Christmas is challenging to say the least. I figure there are about 100 gifts I have to come up with before the 25th. The goal is to make these gifts look and be awesome, unique and well thought out, but not leave you penniless before the next payday. This takes a great deal of planning, creativity and searching for the perfect present. Attending music and theatrical concerts is achieved by checking the weekly Concert Calendar. Support performances in the community which generate more for years to come. Who doesn't love seeing the Christmas lights and homes with light shows and music that attract all.

Most important is giving to those in need. The Bishop's Christmas room providing toys for girls & boys, was easy to participate in. Take the kids or grandkids along to help pick gifts out. A stop at The Road Home shelter to drop off blankets, brought a desire to give more.

Our generous spirit grows, makes us feel good and blesses all.

Attempting Alto

I'll admit I joined the Temple Volunteer Choir, because they were singing in the Salt Lake Tabernacle for a devotional. It was my ulterior motive to walk where the famous singers and leaders have been. Bragging rights could be used.

The first practice consisted of 2 hours of straight throat abuse singing. It seemed like all the sopranos around me could reach the high notes and spot on pitch. I hoped no one could hear my off key sqawking. All week I considered quitting, but decided to give it another try. That's when I sat on the edge of the sapranos, next to the altos. If the note was to high, I would lean toward my alto friend matching her voice. Jump ship when the going gets tough in the treble cleff.

I contemplated joining the hard to hear lower notes group. There was no way I could miss by sitting in the middle of all those strong voices. Each week after immersing myself in the middle of the Alto section, the notes became easier to hear and hit.

The mind was able to memorize each song and by program night, I was ready to be a true Alto singer. What a fun experience to have had.