It can often feel like I’m a little late to the trends which flash across social media. But this year’s Christmas trend is one I can get behind wholeheartedly – likely because it’s already right up my alley! Apparently “Little Women Christmas” is dancing its way across social media, promoting the simple, quiet, homelike traditions that Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy practiced in the early chapters of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel.
The “Little Women Christmas” trend, writes Maggie Breitenmoser for Trill Magazine, is a pushback against the consumerist culture that has overtaken Christmas for decades now. Focusing on decorations like paper snowflakes and chains, it seeks to “create a feeling of homemade happiness.”
But I think this “Little Women Christmas” trend may be missing the point, for it’s not only homemade decorations that can bring a simple Christmas. In fact, I suggest seeking out the following three simple traditions in order that you may come to the end of the Christmas season and look back with satisfaction, saying, “Ah! That is when Christmas hit me in the sweet spot!”
The first is in Handel’s “Messiah.” I recommend a performance in which the atmosphere fits the music – a church rather than a concert hall, or someplace which provides a reverent ambiance. Once there, don’t focus on the choir, the orchestra, or even your fellow attendees. Instead, close your eyes. Then as the melodies and harmonies mesh, listen carefully to the words of Scripture told through song. There never fails to be at least one piece that speaks to a fear or worry I’ve been carrying, prompting me to give it up and send it sailing out the door of my mind.
If “Messiah” isn’t your speed, then start with some old-fashioned carols in the solitude of your home. And no, I don’t mean “Jingle Bells” or “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” I’m talking about simple hymns like “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” or “We Three Kings” (all verses, not just the first!). You don’t have to sing them – although that’s always a plus – you just must take time away to quietly read through and ponder the words.
Finally, attend a traditional church service – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the Sunday before Christmas. Don’t choose one with a big production of lights, drama, and 17 worship leaders; instead find one which focuses on the simple meaning of the season and its connection to our hearts today.
Why is it that such simplistic traditions such as these can bring so much joy?
One reason is that each of these traditions offer some form of singing – something with which Alcott’s “Little Women” were well familiar. Singing, as studies show, brings happiness, pain relief, social connection, and a heightened immune system. For those who want to see their holiday infused with joy, melodious music is the way to bring that magic.
Secondly, each of these activities require us to slow down and reflect, something which few do today in our digitalized, fast-paced society. When we reflect on the thoughts of others expressed through words or song, we not only break free from our own problems, we also have the opportunity to draw on the wisdom of the past, applying it to our lives like a ticket of hope or direction for the future.
Finally, these activities are what might be classified as the “old virtues.” To paraphrase 20th century thinker and author Russell Kirk, it is by seeking out the old virtues of society and bringing them back into view that we can improve our culture in ways far more effectively than protesting or railing against the powers that be.
So many of us want our lives to make an impact – to influence our society for good. But often, we can’t make that good happen unless our own hearts are quiet, prepared, and filled with peace. This holiday season, let’s seek out those quiet traditions to calm our hearts and prepare ourselves to spread that same joy and peace to others.
Annie Holmquist is the culture and opinion editor for 1819 News. Her writing may be found at The Epoch Times, American Essence Magazine, and her Substack, Annie’s Attic.
The republication of this culture article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. To comment on this article, please email [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.