Christmas Eve Mass

  Christmas Eve mass is quite a show!  For the last few years my parents and I have been in the gym of the school as opposed to the church.  We call this, Christmas Overflow!  I was there 35 minutes before the service started so I could get a seat.  I'm not sure what time the "chosen ones" in the church got there! ;) I used to get upset about being in the gym, it's not the same, why bother.  Well, you do bother and it's not about location.  I realize that now as an adult. 

I wish I could say that this mass, like all others for me was peaceful, quiet and humble.  I use the hour I have for mass to really sit and clear my mind.  Christmas Eve mass is no place to do that. 

Quickly the gym fills up and as if on cue old classmates of mine come in with spouses and children in tote.  Their parents who have saved the seats for 40 minutes stand and do a big wave to get their attention and smile proudly as if to show off their successful children and grandchildren.  The old classmates come in almost out of breath with kids on hips and clasped strongly in hands.  Anyone who has children (or worked with them) knows what it took to get those children dressed and out the door for mass, so no one minds their lateness.  We smile, do a polite nod and maybe even a silly face that acknowledges "oh you've had another child since I saw you last," or "he looks like he's a handful, but he sure is cute!"  We all know that face, we've all made that face!

While on a "normal" Sunday, I would receive Communion and walk quietly back to my seat, Christmas Eve mass is different.  This is the time for kisses on the cheek, and a whispered "good to see y'all."  As if you were walking down the red carpet, a wave here and there is almost expected! 

There is always an uncomfortable joke from the priest about the amount of people at this mass and how he wonders how many are actually from out of town.  But we all know what we are there for, to knock this thing out so we can do one of a few things: feed, bathe and put kids to bed, attend an amazing Christmas Eve party or finish wrapping presents. 

I know God has a sense of humor, and I truly thinks he just giggles as he watches parents of young ones fighting to keep the kids in the seat, or keep them from playing with the girls hair in front of them, or crawling under the chairs, or...or.....or. 

To all my old classmates from both elementary and high school, it was a pleasure seeing you!  We may not have spoken, or even caught each others eye but it's always lovely to watch how peoples lives change. 

Merry Christmas!