Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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Day Forty: Christmas Traditions

12/12/2014

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"Angels are more than just beings with wings. They are the guiding light that banishes the darkness, the sentinels that guard our sleep, and the manifestation of joy that echoes in our hearts." ~A.

When I was a child,I knew it was finally Christmastime when Aunt Mattie, her daughter, grandson and I went to Old Salem to attend the Candle Tea. Sometimes we waited in line for hours in the cold, eagerly anticipating when the doors to the Single Brother's House would open up and it was our turn to experience a tradition hundreds of years old. I stood in a much shorter line today with Aunt Mattie's daughter-in-law, taking in the experience I hadn't done in many years. The last time I attended the Candle Tea, my mother, Aunt Mattie, Mom & Dad Schaefer and countless others who've been lost were still alive. My own girls, however, had not yet been born. Cycles, seasons, births, deaths...timeless occurrences that ebb and flow, while traditions remain firmly in place, shared by those past, present, and protected for those to come. I am happy to have memories of traditions that bring a smile to my face, warm my heart, and help me feel connected to the "wonder" of the season. And if you're looking for a special, unique holiday gift, I highly recommend you visit www.shop.oldsalem.org. A Moravian Star is a must have (...being Moravian, not required)! Have a safe and happy weekend!

The History of The Candle Tea:
Candle Tea is regarded by many Winston-Salem, NC area residents and visitors as the opening event of the Christmas season. About 10,000 people attend our Candle Tea each year. Organized by the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian, it is held annually during the season of Advent in the 1769 Single Brothers’ House on Salem Square. All proceeds from Candle Tea are distributed to non-profit agencies, locally and internationally.

Guests are greeted by hosts in early Moravian dress and are guided through Candle Tea. Thank you for continuing to make this outreach possible. We hope you’ll join us at this year’s Candle Tea to:

  • Share a meaningful tradition with family and friends.
  • Sing Christmas carols, accompanied by our 1797 Tannenberg organ.
  • See how we make the beeswax candles used in our Christmas Eve candlelight lovefeasts.
  • Enjoy a warm cup of Moravian coffee and a piece of sugar cake.
  • Hear what life was like for those who founded and lived in Salem.
  • View the putz (miniature replica) of early Salem.
  • Listen to the Christmas story as you view our lighted Nativity putz.
Guests are admitted to Candle Tea in groups of 35 approximately every 15 minutes. Except for school and scout groups (see below), reservations are not available.

General Admission: Adults – $5.00, Children (12 & under) – $1.00

From: http://www.homemoravian.org/tradition/candletea/

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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery