Old Seasonal Traditions

This time of year is laden with potent memories. Christmas trees, wreaths, the smell of mulled spices, music that you only hear once a year, family gatherings, playing in the snow.

Even if, like me, you are jaded about the sell-a-thon that begins as early as Labor Day now, there is a huger reservoir of sentimental feelings connected to this time of year.

If you feel that you have seen enough versions of Scrooge or Nutcracker for a while, you might check out the Christmas Revels in Celebration of the Winter Solstice at Boulder Theater. Website: http://www.rockymountainrevels.org/ There are two more shows this coming Saturday, December 19. If your tastes run to Celtic music, this is a show that draws on the traditional stories, songs and dance of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The large chorus sings enthusiastically and there are some standout individual performers among them. What is interesting is that they call forth folk traditions that came long before we got saturated with White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

If you are at all curious to taste something deliciously different, you can see Step Dancing, Morris Dancers, Mummers, See a Hebridean Weaving Dance, hear A Wexford Carol, Green Grows the Holly or see Children's Songs & Games. There are also familiar tunes such as Joy to the World, Amazing Grace and an older version of Auld Lang Syne. If some of these terms are unfamiliar to you, rest assured that this colorful show is full of life and enough warmth to radiate heartfelt energy to everyone within reach.

It was a delightful, joyous performance and if you are looking for something a little different in the way of seasonal entertainment, check this out.

Sometimes we can gain a new appreciation for the seasonal celebrations by stepping back and taking in a whole different look at it.