“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” – W.T. Ellis

♩♪♩♬ “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; soon, the bells will start.

And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing, Right within your heart.” ♬♩♪♩

I’ve been absorbing a lot of Christmas music this week. Listening to the beautiful Wassail Song on repeat, I wondered what wassailing was. Wassailing, as I discovered, in the Christmas context, was the tradition of visiting houses door to door and offering good wishes and health (the origin of the word ves heill in Old Norse, be in good health).

Since I cannot go door to door to all you lovely folk as you are spread wide and far, the miracle of digital wassailing will have to do in 2023.

For the penultimate newsletter of the year, I write this while enjoying the playlist from the incomparable Kings College, Cambridge, feeling festive and nostalgic. As only such ethereal music can, the harmony of voices enchants, and the poetry of hopeful hymn warms the heart.

One of my favourite Christmas carols is In the Bleak Midwinter, words written by Christina Rossetti. When I hear it, I never miss a chance to sing along. Not only is the text placed to gorgeous melody (both versions, old and new), but the last verse always touches me. I belt it out like a child, louder than the verses before. It gets me every time. It goes...

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am? -

If I were a Shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part -

Yet what can I give Him -

Give my heart.

It’s a reminder that we don’t need to be flashy or grandiose in what we do or bring. We can offer anything we possess in faith, love, and gratitude. Whether we find ourselves in joy or strife this season, wherever we may be, I hope we can find the spirit and music of Christmas in our hearts.

I suddenly feel the urge to shout, “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men!”

Throughout 2023, I have felt the warmth and affection of many of you, and I hope you have felt mine. Thank you for your energy, support, and love throughout the year. Even if we have never met, thank you for reading, being here, and reflecting.

The final class of the year is tomorrow morning - a bit of waking up and a bit of winding down.

I will be back ready to rock and roll with you online on 13th January.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and the best of health for the coming year.

Let’s practise