What I Learned This Christmas
Well, it’s been too long since I posted. As my last post informed, my near death ailment nearly took me out. I mean, I certainly don’t mean to exaggerate, but I’m pretty sure death was nigh my door. At the one week mark I had my voice back. At the two week mark, I sounded like a cross between Marge Simpson and Melissa Etheridge. During the lengthy time of ailment and recuperation, there were various and sundry happenings that I made mental notes to post about. But for a very long time, the hard drive that is my brain has been on overload and I cannot promise it won’t spit out random bits of information that may or may not make since. Perhaps I should stick to a list.
A list of what I learned this Christmas:
I learned this Christmas that my family is loud. My family is loud and crazy. WAIT! I already knew this. I was reminded. Christmas reminded me. My family is loud. LOUD! For the first time since ever we played White Elephant or Chinese Christmas or whatever you wish to call it. It went something like this: CHAOS. My people cannot concentrate long enough to play a game? Why am I surprised? There are a lot of us. And while not everyone was there, almost everyone was and it was LOUD and CRAZY and did I mention LOUD? But we finished the game. All in tact. That’s a big deal seeing as how Jamie’s run down of the rules went something like this, “so I just slap him and take the present?” Um, NO! That would be a NO, Jamie, NO slapping in White Elephant. I don’t know what game she was playing but I don’t think I want in. In the end, I got chocolate. And I gave my chocolate to my nephew JD which is love. PURE LOVE.
I learned that parents and in my case, grandparents, should never underestimate assembly of gifts time. Or the lack of Elves to help. The Barbie Town House has lots and lots of parts. This we knew. We were not, however, prepared for the assembly of the Little Tikes Firetruck we bought Gavin. Pictures are available on facebook. Of the final products, that is. Not the assembly. I’m just too tired thinking of how we stayed up ’til 1:30 on the eve of Christmas Eve to post more pictures here. Note to Joe and Trey: You should probably never, ever let me put the last part on a toy requiring detailed assembly. Apparently steering wheels don’t just pop in easy, peasy. This was my mindset about the whole firetruck in the first place. Me: Oh, it’ll be a piece of cake. Probably popping on the wheels. The truth is, I don’t know what I’m talking about.
I learned that if we will truly let go of our preconceived notions of how everything should turn out or how much we should get, and draw near to Emmanuel, the One we celebrate, we will find peace. The Word became flesh and dwelt among men. On that Holy night so long ago, something happened. But not everyone would see. Not everyone would find. Like us, many people would miss what was happening. The inn keeper. The many travelers. I wonder how many people passed Mary and Joseph that night. Oh to be like the Shepherd boys. To run after, to seek, to truly grasp the joy of His birth.
I learned that if we aren’t careful, we’ll let anything creep in and steal our joy. Like a missing chandelier and other unknown piece from the Barbie Town House. Then we’ll look frantically through untold garbage bags filled with boxes and paper and trash for said pieces. We’ll become so frustrated that TWO pieces of the lovely house are missing and we just can’t stand for it. We’ll launch a search throughout the house and contemplate calling Mattel for replacement parts. And then we’ll take one more look in our little girl’s bedroom and find the missing pieces in Rapunzel’s hair. TANGLED in Rapunzel’s hair. And we’ll wonder how on earth we missed that. Of course, that could all be hypothetical. Or not. There’s a lesson here, people. Besides the one about keeping Rapunzel’s hair away from the chandelier.
I learned that it’s not so much my embracing this whole Santa thing for the first time around that I should be concerned about. It’s how much we allow Santa to have of our Christmas. It’s just how big we let him become that I should be concerned about. If I’m careful to say all the right things about Christmas and careful to teach the truth of the birth of our Saviour to Sophie, yet not so careful to show in my actions why we celebrate and why the gift of the Babe in the manger was indeed the greatest gift of all time, well, then I’ve robbed her of Christmas. There is no magic of Christmas and although many people consider that just a saying, Christmas isn’t magic, it’s miraculous. Sometimes we act as though our little ones are made to grasp or experience or understand what the world calls the magic of Christmas, yet our faith is so small in believing that they could possibly grasp the reality of the Christ Child. Oh Lord, help my faith.
Christmas can be loud and exhausting. So unlike the quiet manger scenes we display. The shiny and bright can be distracting. We tell ourselves so often that we are giving, giving, giving. Surely this is good? But the Word searches the thoughts and intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). The Word made flesh, the One of whom we celebrate. Does He not see? Yes, giving is good. But let us examine our hearts when we give. Let’s be sure we are giving in our actions and words the reflection of the King.
Finally, I learned that Christmas needs scaling back. Sure, I’ve said that for years. I’ve shaken my head in frustration and even disgust once the fa la la la laing ended. But this year, this reality hooked itself in my heart and I want to determine not to ever let it go. There’s no sadness, so heavy weight of guilt. Only a desire for simplicity. A desire to truly put action to my words. And you know what? I don’t have to wait another year to start. I can do that right now.
All that I have, all that I am, is His. This year,
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
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Understanding COSC Accreditation and Its Importance in Horology
COSC Validation and its Rigorous Criteria
COSC, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the official Swiss testing agency that attests to the precision and accuracy of timepieces. COSC accreditation is a symbol of superior craftsmanship and dependability in chronometry. Not all timepiece brands seek COSC certification, such as Hublot, which instead sticks to its proprietary strict standards with mechanisms like the UNICO calibre, reaching equivalent accuracy.
The Art of Precision Timekeeping
The central system of a mechanized timepiece involves the mainspring, which provides power as it loosens. This mechanism, however, can be susceptible to external elements that may affect its precision. COSC-accredited movements undergo strict testing—over fifteen days in various circumstances (5 positions, three temperatures)—to ensure their durability and dependability. The tests assess:
Average daily rate precision between -4 and +6 seconds.
Mean variation, highest variation rates, and impacts of thermal changes.
Why COSC Accreditation Matters
For timepiece aficionados and collectors, a COSC-accredited timepiece isn’t just a piece of tech but a testament to lasting quality and accuracy. It represents a watch that:
Presents excellent dependability and precision.
Provides guarantee of superiority across the whole design of the watch.
Is apt to hold its value more efficiently, making it a wise investment.
Well-known Chronometer Manufacturers
Several famous manufacturers prioritize COSC certification for their watches, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, presents collections like the Record and Spirit, which highlight COSC-certified movements equipped with advanced substances like silicone balance suspensions to enhance durability and performance.
Historic Background and the Development of Timepieces
The notion of the chronometer dates back to the requirement for accurate timekeeping for navigational at sea, highlighted by John Harrison’s work in the 18th cent. Since the official establishment of Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres in 1973, the certification has become a standard for judging the accuracy of luxury watches, continuing a tradition of excellence in watchmaking.
Conclusion
Owning a COSC-certified timepiece is more than an visual choice; it’s a commitment to quality and accuracy. For those valuing accuracy above all, the COSC accreditation provides peace of thoughts, guaranteeing that each validated watch will operate reliably under various circumstances. Whether for personal satisfaction or as an investment decision, COSC-validated watches distinguish themselves in the world of watchmaking, maintaining on a tradition of precise chronometry.
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