Christmas Eve 2010 In The Texas Hill Country

As it has a habit of doing from time to time during the winter months, a cold front blew into the Texas Hill Country today, just in time to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Although the morning temperature today was still in the 50’s, the rain made it feel much colder. And, on a day like this, most everyone in the hill country should take on an even greater understanding and appreciation of the hardships the Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and early settlers of the hill country faced when the weather turned cold. Actually, one does not even have to go back that far in time, as hill country folk did not even begin to receive electricity until the 1930’s, when the hill country’s favorite son, Lyndon Johnson, made it a reality.

Christmas Eve in the Texas Hill Country is no different than a lot of places around the country I guess, given the ample supply of shopping and outlet malls which cater to the last minute Christmas shopping "insanity" which seems to strike so many people this time of year. But unlike a lot of places, the hill country provides an alternative, should you choose to seek it.

My dog and I headed out into the remote solitude of the hill country this morning in an attempt to distance ourselves from cash registers, blinking lights, wrapping paper, and frenzied people. The cold and rain did not deter us in our quest to avoid the very worst things the holiday season brings, those being, commercialization, greed, the exchange of money, and stressed-out families. Except for the ever-present deer and birds found in the hill country, we did not run into another living thing on our journey, and that, to me, made for a successful day. It was, as it should be.

The quiet solitude of the hill country, the cold rain, and the companionship of my dog, gave me time to slow down, and reflect on the meaning of Christmas one day in advance of the day itself. Instead of last minute scurrying about and standing in long lines waiting to purchase something for someone that will no doubt be forgotten by noon on Christmas; I did something far more important. I took a few hours on the day before Christmas to find a quiet place in these historic hills to truly think about why Christmas Day is celebrated, and what it means for all of us.

PEACE.

Christmas In The Hill Country

It’s another Christmas morning in the Texas Hill Country. Given the diverse blend of cultures in the area, people will be celebrating the day with different traditions, and eating different foods.

For many in Texas, the traditional Christmas Eve meal consists of tamales. The process of making homemade tamales is extremely time consuming, and is often done on Christmas Eve itself during an event called a tamalada. The making and eating of tamales during the holiday season, is handed down from Mexican tradition, and is now part of the rich heritage of Texas.

For the early German pioneers in the hill country, life was difficult, especially so during the winter months. Nevertheless, Weihnachten, or Christmas, was joyously celebrated. Baking, an important part of the season's traditions in the household, produced cakes, cookies, and Christmas bread. On Christmas Eve, a cedar tree, so common both then and now in the hill country, was chopped down, brought home, and decorated. The Christmas meal most often included a variety of sausages.

In Austin, the holiday season brings the usual contingent of revelers into 6th Street bars and clubs. But a few blocks away, at the Texas State Capital, the legislature honors Christmas in its own way.

In the chamber where the Texas House of Representatives meet, stands the Lone Star Celebration Christmas Tree. Decorated with ornaments unique to various areas around the state, the 20 foot pine tree adds a festive and peaceful atmosphere to a room where Texas laws are often contentiously debated.

Historically, Christmas has been celebrated in the hill country by people of different cultures who often spoke different languages. Despite the different traditions practiced, however, the meaning and importance of Christmas remained the same for all the faithful. And, the same holds true today.

On this special day, I wish each of you a safe and peaceful Christmas.