Part 3/12:
A deeply personal nostalgia underpins the reflection on Christmas Eve traditions. As a child, the serenity of attending late church services, often ending at midnight, made the night magical. Exiting the church into a quiet, starry night transported them back to the night Jesus was born over two thousand years ago—a moment poignant enough to bring tears of love and gratitude. The ritual of singing beloved carols like "Away in a Manger" evokes powerful memories of innocence, family, and faith, intertwined with the unbreakable bonds of those who have passed away, like their two infant brothers. The song's lyrics, especially the plea to "bless all the dear children," serve as a comforting reminder of loved ones lost but never forgotten.