‘Twas the week before Christmas… As the year is drawing to a close, the pressure is mounting on many of us. Gift buying, decorating, cooking and baking… Reflecting on the year past, missing those who are no longer with us.

My wife was musing the other day on the fact that we tend to pack so much into this one time of the year, when it might make more sense to spread it all out a bit more. She is a logical lady.

Having spent my career in the mental health field, I sometimes see a bit of a dark side to this time of year, as it feels over-sold, expectations that can never be met. The smiling happy family that may not match your reality. Material items that are promoted but are forever beyond your means. It is an easy time to feel alone. The stress to make the season “merry and bright” can be intense.

I remain an optimist, and tend to look for the bright side, the light. Which is kind of the point of this time of year. Leaving aside religious observances, it is the darkest time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, but also the time when the days start getting longer. We light up the night and bring evergreen boughs into our homes. We give gifts to our loved ones, cementing those social bonds between us.

Christmas invokes so many memories, most centered on my old house. Instead of a full tree acquired from a tree growing professional like Don French, the trees of my childhood were secured somewhere in the back field and, honestly, often looked like a taller version of something Charlie Brown would pick up. But it was draped with ornaments, many carried over from my mother’s own girlhood trees, supplemented over the years with crafts my brothers and I would create.

The living room mantel would be adorned with pine boughs and miniature paperboard houses that lights could be poked into, creating a glowing village that I loved.

The stockings, knitted by my mother, would be hung over the fireplace in the front room, awaiting the big guy Christmas Eve.

Church was never a part of my childhood Christmases, but I remember lots of Christmas Eve gatherings, often with a family who had three similarly aged boys and one little girl, creating a rambunctious and chaotic time.

Christmas morning had very strict guidelines. Children were not allowed downstairs until summoned. The cow had to be milked, coffee drunk, and in my earlier memories, my grandfather and uncle needed to make their way from Camden. In the days before he married and had his own family, my bachelor uncle was the coolest, coming up from D.C. with the best presents. But he tended to sleep in a bit too late for a 6 year old.

So my brothers and I would peer through the grates installed to carry warm air upstairs, trying to catch a glimpse of some big present that had appeared under the tree in the night. We would jostle each other at the top of the stairs, until we were finally invited to see if there really was something left in the stockings over the fire in the front room.

Now as a parent I recognize just how much went into creating those memories. And many of the same traditions have continued with my own kids. They also gather at the top of the stairs to see if anything has been left in the stockings over the fireplace in the front room. They have to go to church Christmas Eve, though.

Lincolnville Moratorium

I didn’t attend, but I was told by several who went to the Special Town Meeting last Monday that the place was absolutely packed. They had come out to vote on a 180 day moratorium on major non-residential developments. A unanimous vote by the roughly 250 townspeople, with no public comments.

Now will come the work of proposing amendments to the land use ordinances, but it seems that Lincolnville has spoken, and any major development will face scrutiny from the town.

Christmas Eve Services

At 4 p.m. the Lincolnville UCC will have its Christmas Eve Service, led by Pastor Elizabeth Barnum, and will include a Nativity Pageant and conclude with a candlelit singing of Silent Night. Doors are at 3:30 and the place tends to fill up. I think I was volunteered to assist in parking.

And at 6 p.m. Bayshore Baptist will hold their Christmas Eve service, led by Pastor Mackey, and includes hymns, carols, Scripture reading and a dramatic reading by the youth of the church. They will also be lighting candles.

There is something incredibly moving about an old Sanctuary lit by candles and full of people on a cold December evening. If you are so inclined, I know either church would be overjoyed to have you, and hey, you could probably take in both services if you are an overachiever.

Get out there and find those last minute gifts. Try not to stress too much about making things perfect. Support a local charity, help out a neighbor.

Things remain tough out there. I find my self getting frustrated and sad when I read the news most days, and so much is outside of our control. So we control what we can, and for me that means trying to be patient, trying to be kind. Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, and Joyful whatever you celebrate.

Tuesday, December 19

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, December 20

Library open 2-5 p.m. 

Youth Group, ages 9-17, 6 p.m., Bayshore Baptist Church, 2648 Atlantic Highway

Thursday, December 21

Heart and Soul, 6 p.m. Town Office

Friday, December 22

AA Meeting 12 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, December 16

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, December 17

United Christian Church, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 11:00 a.m. worship, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, 2648 Atlantic Highway