revelsxmas12      I’ve enjoyed a weekend filled with the spirit of the Holidays!  On Saturday, I attended a performance of The Christmas Revels in Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA.  Always a wonderful presentation mixing the celebration of the Winter Solstice with traditional holiday music, this year’s show portrayed Irish immigrants making the arduous journey by sea to America.  The children wonder how Father Christmas will find them on the ocean!  The show shares the festive splendor of community singing and participation.  We always leave there humming “Dona Nobis Pachem,” with smiles on our faces.

This evening was another highlight.  A warm, splendid early holiday dinner with a dear friend, and a toe-tapping, impressive performance by the Boston String Quartet (minus an ill violist) of “Christmas in Paris.”  It took us on a musical holiday journey of escape.

Which is not to say that the tragedy of Friday was forgotten.  Indeed, we spoke about it, as well as other personal losses.  The important thing, though, was that we were together.  We spent time with loved ones, with sounds and blessings of music, and talk of travel.  Being together, sharing and consoling; together hoping and wishing and planning for tomorrow’s sunrise.  We need to take care of each other, and this weekend I did my share of taking care and receiving care.