There are, approximately, 400 words in the dictionary that begin with X. 120 are considered active in modern English.
As I decided to follow the alphabet through this blog series, I wondered what “X” would mark the spot.
Xenial: relationship of hospitality; particularly between strangers or formal political visit
What a perfect word for Christmas Eve. As we begin to gather together again, what hospitality customs are you carrying on, what has changed?
Some families have incorporated video chats, bringing far away family into gift opening, caroling and conversation. While others are bringing back long tables of family.
Many homes have welcomed strangers into their celebration. Practising xenial customs of behavior. It is considered polite to know what customs may be practised by the other party. These customs may seem trival, but they have deep rooted meanings for some people.
They come down to respecting the beliefs of your host or your guest. And when we come to a place where we put our respect of others before ourselves, we reach a place where “Peace on Earth, Good will towards men” feels possible.
Who ever you gather with, how ever you gather, as we celebrate Christmas and the completion of another year, extend xenial hospitality.
