For years I juggled in my hometown's Holiday parade.  While the parade continues, my sciatica makes walking the route very painful, especially since I was typically the only walker among dozens of somewhat fast moving floats.  I have been able to remain a part of the festivities, though, by performing at the Bridgton Community Center.  Some years I've been utside just before the tree lighting, but this year I was inside just before the parade was schedule to step off.  Not only that, but the two other performers scheduled for the pre-parade hour both cancelled.  The time and the space were all mine!

I divided the time into two 25 minute shows.  I pulled out my juggling routine to Michael W. Smith's "Jingle Bells / Sleigh Ride" medley that I only get to do this time of year.  Of course, I did my cigar box routine to Melanie's "O Come All Ye Faithful".  But to fit the theme, I also quickly choreographed my diabolo juggling to Melanie's "the Marvelous Toy" and a variety of juggling styles and magic tricks to MWS's "I Saw Three Ships".  It's fun when my creativity is stretched.

Both audiences were small, but very responsive. After all, it was our town's kick off to the Christmas season, and everyone was jolly.  I went with what I think of as Gospel-lite.  I certainly references that Christmas was the celebration of Jesus' birth, and encouraged people to think about Him during the Christmas season.  I'm at the point where I believe that sometimes just being present in my community sharing my gifts glorifies God, and sometimes ( not the majority of the time) less is more. Merry Christmas, Bridgton.