“Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold!”
~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
Dearest Newcomers,
Thanksgiving seems really late this year which means there is less time to get ready for a busy holiday season. My mind is cluttered with mental lists of things to do – not so much to meet others’ expectations, but to meet mine. I profoundly love this time of the year and try to eke out whatever creative spark exists in my inner self – whether it’s to try a few new recipes or add another wreath or Nutcracker or ornament for the trees (can you really have too many?)
However, sometimes I have to step back and remember why completing the todo lists is so important. Sharing a special holiday with someone you love – a spouse, a child, a dear family member or dear friend – makes that holiday even more special. Working in a food pantry is an act of love for those who need some help. Preparing food for guests is an act of love. Unpacking those special decorations is an act of love that awakens memories of a visit to Alaska or Charleston or places we’ve lived or favorite Christmas shops or kids’ holiday projects. Joining friends for holiday lunches or parties is an act of love knowing that folks took the time out of busy schedules to share time and laughs, and just plain old fellowship. Bottom line, though, is that this celebratory time began with the ultimate act of love – the birth of a baby.
Thanksgiving has come and gone but I am continuously grateful for Newcomers! We honored our veterans in November by providing products and our Giving Tree proceeds to the Sumner County Veterans Home and by giving a donation to the Wreaths Across America effort. There was definitely a lot of love in that effort! We had a lovely luncheon and over 60 members and guests heard a moving talk given by our guest speaker, himself a veteran, who thanked all of us for our efforts to honor those who have served our country. Some of our activities are starting up again after a long dormant time due to the pandemic.
You are cordially invited to my house for our December coffee which is scheduled for December 2nd at 10AM. Parking on the front lawn is totally OK since there won’t be enough parking in our driveway; although landscaping folks park on the street, I wouldn’t recommend it – hence the recommendation to park on the lawn.
NOTICE FOR OUR DECEMBER LUNCHEON:
Please bring an ornament to use in our “Night Before Christmas” game. We will NOT be giving our door prizes this month. Our luncheon date is different this year: Wednesday, December 8. Please note this change.
If you are looking for something to do this month with guests or grandkids or just on your own, Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is showing its highly anticipated exhibition, The Elegance of Royal Fashion, featuring Diana, Princess of Wales’ gowns from the Pat Kerr Private Royal Collection. Per the MACC website: “The show-stopping exhibition featuring Diana, Princess of Wales’ evening gowns as well as her replicated wedding gown, with its phenomenal 25-foot train, will be on view. Other artifacts to be showcased: lady-in-waiting gowns, a gown worn by Wallis Simpson, the late Duchess of Windsor; a replica of the gown American socialite Jacqueline Bouvier wore to marry political scion Jack Kennedy, along with the gown Kerr created for the advertising campaign of Estee Lauder’s Beautiful perfume, and a trove of royal ephemera and rare laces.” A few of us attended a viewing, and as much as we enjoyed seeing the beautiful gowns, what struck me was the sight of moms and grandmas bringing their daughters to see these fashions. What a great idea!
I tried to find some funny/unique December remembrances to round out this message, but nothing caught my eye so I’ll close with another quote:
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Carol Gower
CHARITY OF THE MONTH
Newcomers has again chosen the Gallatin Day Care Center (GDCC) as our December Charity. GDCC is a non-profit organization that provides quality childcare, early childhood education, and nutritious meals for 97 children, including low-income and foster children. The children range in age from 12 months to 12 years. In additional to the money raised by the Money Tree, we will also collect and transport the toys to the GDCC. If you would like to donate a new stuffed animal or new toy (in its original packaging and not gift wrapped) to our Coffee Connection on December 2nd or our Luncheon on December 8th.
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
We are privileged this month to have The Eighth Grade Choir from Station Camp Middle School attend our Luncheon. They will be preforming a medley of Holiday Music. We are in for a treat!
