on Earth as it is in heaven

Trudged along to midnight mass with mum and relatives, as I do most Christmases, though if anyone knew I spend most of the experience envisioning fic scenarios, they'd never ask again. However, tonight was a treat, as the pastor at our Catholic church du jour looked more than a bit like Carson Beckett and wore flowy white robes embellished with golden watery designs (and a thumb ring). Had a fantastic view, too, as the good ushers had shepherded us to the front pew (the sum total of Jules' Catholic knowledge: the Lord's Prayer, and only mostly. I was baptized yet know more Jewish blessings than Bible verses!)

After the twins with two dads did a little introductory skit, the sermon involved the "romanticized Bethlehem" being the epitome of what's wrong with Catholicism, which has inner demons to fear more than anything else. "Let us gather to remember that love is born in our midst" he said, urging us to disregard the serene smiles of Joseph and Mary and the fake fluffy sweetness of the dirty animals also in that manger as depicted on holiday cards and know that God comes into reality and imperfection as "Christmas is about being weak." I found it eminently relatable and smart. Didn't walk out anything I didn't walk in as (because really, anyone not leading you into temptation is not a good friend - everything I need to know about life, I learned from fandom, y'see), but I enjoyed it much more than expected and almost had Father Carson bless my head in lieu of taking the eucharist.

Otherwise, dinner at my soon-to-be-ex-step-relatives' was surprisingly lovely. Very light on the number of them I really can't tolerate, plenty of white wine (as the haplessly drunk-dialed walkingshadow will attest) and fantastic seafood. Mmm. Also, forgave someone for something that happened a very long time ago. Not out loud, but I officially had the leverage and maturity to realize I'm the better person in a thousand ways, and just breathed out and it was gone.

Additionally, many thanks to coolwhipdiva for the holiday card, saturn92103 for the Brokeback Mountain pictures (though I probably agree with whoever said that star-crossed gay cowboy love is so 1979), and embitca for Captain and Tennile's Love Will Keep Us Together, which I've for no reason good or otherwise had in my head for the past five days. She's a special girl, they say.

And not that it's relevant as the holiday will be officially behind us soon, but if I hear I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus one bloody more time, I will maim the nearest replica, no matter how many children are watching. Just that one song! EVERYWHERE!

QUOTE OF THE DAY
(Setup: My mom is about to divorce for the second time, wearing a blazer cut to the top of her bustline, and sans a single religious artifact or decoration in the house.)

Great Aunt: Are you Catholic?
Mom: Doesn't it show?