Rick Steves' European Christmas - yup that Europe travel expert Steves on public television. This was on tv the other day and I had the presence of mind to actually record it. When we finally sat down to watch we were glad we did. The Old World charm of the European holidays with Father Christmas, caroling, St. Lucia processions and cutting a Christmas tree in the Alps was a welcome break from our stateside Home Alone's. I'm particularly biased about a short scene of Pope John Paul II's last Christmas Mass with the then Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict) beside him. For that alone, you Catholics need to watch this documentary! ;-)
Into Great Silence - a stunning view into the life of Carthusian Monks, this is the perfect antidote to the noise of the season. It's not necessarily a Christmas movie, I also watch this during Lent, but there's enough snow and silence to get you back to the meditative hum that is the spirit of Christmas (and Lent!). You don't have to be an aspiring monastic to appreciate this documentary.
So grab that hot cup of coffee or tea and a couple of your iced cookies, put your feet up and enjoy the quiet of the season ;-)
O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
O Lord and Ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.
Seven more days.
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