SELF
mentoring
moments with M I C H E L L E
a Silent Night family christmas
F E W C H R I S T M A S C A R O L S evoke this season of peace and goodwill as readily as Silent Night. Did you know that this carol of tranquility and hope played a central role in one of the most unique war truces in recorded history?
On Christmas Eve, 1914, thousands of British, Belgian, and French soldiers put down their rifles, stepped out of their trenches, and joined in a spontaneous moment of peace while singing Christmas carols with the Germans troops. Stanley Weintraub wrote about this event in his book, Silent Night: “Signboards arose up and down the trenches in a variety of shapes. They were usually in English or – from Germans – in fractured English. The signs read “YOU NO FIGHT, WE NO FIGHT” or “ YOU NO SHOOT, WE NO SHOOT.” In the middle of the two-day truce, soldiers left their muddy trenches to shake hands, exchange tobacco, kick soccer balls, and bury the dead. The soldiers were ordered to return to their trenches, but before the shooting resumed, in the darkness of the night a voice started singing the familiar carol, Silent Night, and a legendary chorale moment was experienced by all. Michelle Hoverson is the author of Mentoring Moments with Myself – a collection of letters to her younger self on life, faith, love and leadership. Follow her on facebook @ Mentoring Moments With Michelle.
18
DECEMBER 2021
We dream of crafting the perfect family gathering during the holidays. We shop, decorate, wrap, plan and cook all in the hope of experiencing the perfect day. Regretfully, sometimes what we imagine actually turns into a war zone.
In lieu of posting “YOU NO FIGHT, WE NO FIGHT” signs in everyone’s bedroom, here’s some tips on how to enjoy your own Silent Night: Give Up On Perfection – The perfect day only exists in the movies and in heaven. The unexpected is going to happen, so prepare yourself to consider it a memory in the making. Accept Your Family For Who They Are – Your relatives are going to be arriving (with their annoying habits and all!) so remember to pause and remind yourself of what you love about them. Treasure who is with you and be grateful for family and friends. Step Outside – We don’t have to win everyone over to our way of thinking. When the conversation starts to escalate (or deteriorate), excuse yourself, step outside, count to 10, and remember why you are with everyone. This will help you avoid adding fuel to the fire. Issue a Pardon - The holidays are a great time to forgive. You have fought with your brother for 10 years and nothing has been resolved. Be the bigger person. Forgiveness can be the best gift you give this holiday! Begin a new and positive chapter in your family relationships.
As Christmas day 1914 drew to a close, these fighting men had ceased being enemies for two whole days. There was peace on Earth and goodwill toward man because their focus was on the spirit of the season … not winning. Let’s place the meaning of this holiday season at the center of our family gatherings, and remember, if family members start to pick up their arms, it might be a good time for someone to start singing Silent Night. w
w OMAN.COM
L AKENORMAN
WRITER MICHELLE HOVERSON
