On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me:
Six Geese-a-Laying
December 30th is here and so this is the “Sixth Day of Christmas.” The day of six geese-a-laying – and well symbolically things align as a flock of geese is a family. On the calendar of feasts days this is the Feast of the Holy Family – and really what is Christmas if not a celebration of Family? Now I know some will react and say – but that leaves out so many people that have no family, or have broken families. And here I remind you that all families are made. First by two strangers that by chance and circumstance connect and bond and grow together. These two then draw in others by choice and creation.
We all come from families and then move ahead and create our own families. And those created families then go ahead and grow and divide and recreate into new circles of love and caring.
When one stops and thinks of what the Church calls the Holy Family – it is not exactly a traditional family. Here we have a young woman pregnant before marriage, and hurriedly married to an older man willing to act as husband and step-father. In the cultural norms of their historical time period – that was shocking stuff. Yet by all the stories they thrived as a family unit – choosing to be together and struggle through the unusual circumstances of their story.
The truth about family is it is not something created by the bonds of blood and DNA . A family is created by love, respect and by choice.
So how to celebrate today? By reaching out to your chosen family. Send an email. Make a call. Stop by and say hello.
Take time to have a meal together – maybe some Middle Eastern cuisine like stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, hummus and flat bread, lentils and rice, or just whatever makes you feel comfort in each other.
Share a cup of tea. Or a glass of wine. And just talk about what was and what is yet to come. Celebrate your successes, and build your dreams. That is what family is all about.
Merry Sixth Day of Christmas to you and your family!
Related articles
- The Twelve Days Of Christmas (programmingpraxis.com)
- Christmas is Coming, the Geese are Getting Fat – Beth Trissel (bethtrissel.wordpress.com)
What a beautiful post x Timely reminder to reach out to people too x I love the bit about family not being made by bonds of blood necessarily x a family can be the people you choose to be with. That is very liberating to many. 3 of my children live abroad, although they all came to visit for christmas ~ to see the new baby mainly! I am very close to my friends as my children live so far away. Their friendship is very precious. x have a wonderful New Year x
I love the 12 Days of Christmas to!!! I want to thyme tree ornaments next year…. Thanks for the inspiration!