Hang Your Shining Star Above the Highest Bough

All of the doors and windows are open in “The Little Town” on this Christmas Eve, the 24th Day of the Advent Calendar

“The Little Town” Advent Calendar by Richard Sellmer Adventskalendar. Photo: Jolene

The last doors on “The Little Town” Advent Calendar, two church doors, open this Christmas Eve to reveal a crèche with an evergreen tree behind it, glowing with candles.

Nativity Scene and Evergreen Tree. Photo: Jolene

The paper used behind each window of the calendar lets light in.

Publishing Office of Richard Sellmer, a Toy Store and the Post Office. Photo: Jolene

By taping the calendar to my own apartment window, so light was behind it, “The Little Town” came to life and allowed me to photograph the panorama.

The Bakery, Christmas Market, Craft Store, and St. Nicholas. Photo: Jolene

I loved doing this Advent calendar with you and so appreciated your kind comments over the past twenty-four days — really special. Thank you so very much!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

While I was photographing the Advent calendar today, I was listening to the Christmas radio station when the forever gorgeous voice of Karen Carpenter came on.

It was one of those times when something I’ve heard my entire life was actually ‘heard’ for the first time.

I’d never realized that in Karen’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, she’d changed the lyrics.

Instead of “hang A shining star UPON the highest bough”, she sings “hang YOUR shining star ABOVE the highest bough.”

It completely changes the meaning and was so touching it actually got me a little teary, but in a good way.

I checked to make sure I’d heard it correctly, and found this — Karen Carpenter’s glorious voice, with lyrics written.

I’ll be back after New Year’s and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Hang your shining star above the highest bough. 💫 ❤️

Jolene