I have to admit that in a weird sort of way, "The Christians and the Pagans" by Dar Williams makes me think of 'em. (And not because one of the characters in the song is named Amber.) Probably because it makes me think about Tara's family, and wishing they didn't have that attitude toward her witchcraft. This song is usually my sort of "live Yule greeting card" every year.
Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style,"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you, and it's been a while."
So the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able.
Just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.
The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch
'Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true your cousin's not a Christian,
But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."
So the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able.
And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with pagans, only pumpkin pies are burning.
When Amber tried to do the dishes her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother,"
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here."
He thought of fathers, sons, and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve,
Saying, "Can I be a pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."
So the Christians and the pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old,
And making sense of history, and drawing warmth out of the cold.
------------------
"Oh, baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I . . . stop explaining things."
-- Tara, "The Body"
"No, she likes what I do . . . I think she likes what she's doing."
-- Gabrielle, "A Day in the Life"
(my apologies for bein’ so rude...
)
.