Kilt Debut: Christmas & Anniversary

[FatherWilliam57]

Well, I finally took the plunge! Three wonderful days...Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and our 30th Anniversary (Feast of Stephen or Boxing Day, take your pick). I am a nit-picker myself, so feel free to pick all the nits you wish so I can improve my appearance next time. First, heading out to worship on Christmas Eve:





Since I did not have time to custom order a new clerical vest, I went out on Friday, Dec. 23rd and bought a dress shirt, ties, and pocket silks for the first time in over 20 years. Opted for the maroon kilt hose, tie and pocket silk for Christmas Eve. The yellow garter ties I bought online did not wish to cooperate, so I went without.

Wasn't sure how my congregation would respond to the kilt. While in the narthex before the service, the first member through the door walked straight up to me and asked, "Which tartan?" I responded Henderson. I asked if she had a Douglass sash, to which she applied in the affirmative. I asked where it was. She said to let her know the next time I planned on being kilted at worship and she would wear it.

Forget the kilt. I think the biggest shock among my parishioners was the fact this was the first time they had seen me in a dress shirt and tie! I did have a couple veterans comment on my "skate shoes" (patent leather). I told them to check their glasses and look again at a proper Navy spit shine on a regulation pair of quarter-heights. At least I know they were impressed!

Christmas Day, I opted for the charcoal hose and gray tie and pocket silk:



I think some of them were a bit disappointed I put on my alb and chasuble for mass, rather than just celebrate with the kilt (but that goes against my sensibilities in worship).

Finally, on December 26th, my wife and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Here we are going to dinner:



(In all fairness, Debra makes me look good, no matter what I am wearing.)

I know I garnered more than a few glances from various diners, but no one made any comments directly to me. It was about 28 degrees outside, and I overheard a few men say it was too cold out to be wearing "something like that." If they only knew! It may only be a five-yard, 13 oz. kilt, but I was quite warm.

Last, but not least, here is a picture of a brooch I picked up a few weeks ago to use as a kilt pin:



The pin is called "Sword of the Spirit." It has several meanings for me. Ephesians 6 has always been a personal favorite. My motto on my armorial bearings is Induite vos arma Dei ("put on the whole armor of God"), and my weekly radio program is entitled "Sword of the Spirit." Therefore...I had to have it!

I still have a way to go (my kit is quite limited at this point), but to finally be able to wear what I have (for three days in a row, to boot) was great. And comfy!

I am one happy camper. The rabble may now commence with the picking of nits!