No, no, no...not a list of stuff he wants. He's got more stuff than he can use, needs to offload some of it, if truth be known. He's overwhelmingly blessed above anything he deserves. Making a list of desired 'stuff' would be, well, crass.
And not a snarky list of things he's like to see happen, like seeing Zimbabwe Ben marooned in Zimbabwe for six weeks...other people do that stuff better anyway.
Rather, OS hopes to make a list of suggestions for a happy, blessed Christmas, here in The New Normal; which, if we take the right approach, could make it a really great Christmas for his readers.
If you live within a drive of a city or university town in the English-speaking world, there is at least one church (usually more) offering really good Christmas music--like performances of Messiah, or Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Avoid the schlock churned out by the evangelicals, all throwaway cheesiness with dramatic sounding titles like 'Bethlehem's Hour' or 'The Sheep Meet The Baby King Jesus'. It's just shit, and is best avoided.
If you're really fortunate, you'll get to attend a performance of of Ralph Vaughan-Williams' Hodie, hands-down one of the best pieces of music produced in the twentieth century.
The good 'organs and choir robes' churches also provide Christmas Eve services. OS hopes you avail yourself of that opportunity as well.
On Christmas Eve afternoon, at 3:00 pm UK time (that's 10:00 am Eastern US, 9:00 am Central US), the great tradition of Lessons and Carols from Kings is heard 'round the world via BBC3.
Many American Public Media radio affiliates carry the broadcast as well.
The Lessons and Carols service is a work of genius. An opening hymn, a bidding prayer, nine lessons from the Bible retelling the story from Genesis through the Gospel of John, nine sung carols. No sermon needed, and one of the most powerful presentations of the Christian message ever devised.
The service booklet is found here. It's a valuable aid as you follow the service.
And, if you'll notice--almost every bit of this glorious Christmas music is offered gratis to the community.
A blessed Christmas to all.
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