Carnival of Christmas Call for Submissions #2

In World War I, British and German soldiers broke into a ceasefire around Christmas. Such is the power of that great day on our calendar.

Sadly, there is no ceasefire in the Culture War for Christmas. With the coming of December, armies of Lawyers are lined up on both sides ready to join battle in the War for Christmas.

Some desire to wipe Christmas out for the generic Holidays. Yet, call me old-fashioned, or call me part of the large mass of Americans who still celebrates Christmas. The Holidays are a time of great stress, debt, and money problems. The Holidays are a time when stores get more inventive in finding ways to part you and your money.

Yet, Christmas is something altogether different. I remember two things about Christmas. The first is that it was the birth of Jesus. Given what He means to Christians as our savior, that’s reason enough for us to celebrate.

The second thing that stands out about Christmas is that it was a time of goodness. You’d see a little bit more kindness from friends and family. People would be more understanding. People buy toys for children they don’t know, and fill food banks and rescue missions. Christmas is a time of redemption. In “The Christmas Carol,” each year millions watch Ebenezer Scrooge be given a second chance.

Each year millions who stay away from Church all year, come on Christmas. For some its tradition, a tie to what their family has always done. For others, its a hunger for goodness that overwhelms all else and leads them to search for that Star the magi followed so long ago.

Christmas in our culture, in addition to the birth of Christ, represents all that is good, holy, and beautiful. It calls us to be better people, it calls us to our best. It calls us to wonder, love, and compassion. Christmas means something beyond materialism, beyond political correctness.

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.-Dr. Seuss in “The Grich Who Stole Christmas”

With that in mind, I’m launching the first ever Carnival of Christmas. Make a blog post about Christmas. I accept podcasts, photoblog entires, and would also accept Video Blogs entries as well. Submit it using either Blog Carnival or Conservative Cat’s Carnival submission forms.

The ground rules are simple:

1) The post should be about Christmas. While I respect those who celebrate other holidays, it can become a big jumble if you throw everything in. People are welcome to start a “Carnival of Haunakah” or a “Carnival of Kwanzaa” and I’ll be happy to link to them from here.

2) Posts do not have to be explicitly Christian, but needs to be respectul of Christianity.

3) Posts should not contain objectionable or immoral content.

4) Posts should be made in a Spirit of Christmas cheer. The Christmas Carnival is a “no cynicism” zone.

5) No Bashing political opponents. (What part of Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men don’t you understand?)

6) Deadline: You have until Midnight MDT on December 23rd to send your Carnival Submissions.

7) Linkbacks are appreciated but not required. (For it is more blessed to give than to receive.)

All Blogs are welcome to participate regardless of political affiliation.

Now a rundown of our categories:

1) Stories

A story about Christmas. It can be fiction or non-fiction. Ideas for stories could be things like writing about the way your family celebrated Christmas, or a funny Christmas incident. Also, historical stories of how different people celebrated Christmas.

2) Poems

Christmas poetry.

3) Prayers

Christmas prayers and devotions.

4) Podcasts

5) Pictures

Christmas pictures.

6) Parodies,

Any fun Christmas parody, just keep it clean, non-cynical, and respectful.

7) The Spirit of Christmas

Talk about what Christmas means to you. Also, you could tell us about kindness shown on Christmas (either to you or that you were able to show to others.) Or you could just talk about someone or group in your Community that’s doing something good around Christmas.

Other

If you want to participate, and don’t have anything that fits anywhere else, submit it under this category. It can be something as simple as a “Christmas Wishes” post wishing us all a Merry Christmas.

Also, if you have a worthy charity that needs support, E-mail Me and I’ll consider linking them at the top of the main Carnival of Christmas page when I put it up.

So, have a Merry Christmas and get your posts in!

UPDATE:

We now have 4 submissions which is great considering the Carnival is still more than 2 weeks away.

I’d like to recognize the following people for promoting the Carnival of Christmas on their blogs:

Third World County
Bloggin’ Out Loud
Random Yak
Cathouse Chat (who is also doing a post on Christmas everyday.
Wizbang

Thanks for your support and get your posts in, so we can have a Merry Christmas Carnival!

Christmas