The Lights! The celebration!

As a child, I loved Christmas. As an adult, I love Christmas. As a parent, I absolutely love Christmas. 

I have always had the best time shopping for gifts that fit the personalities of the people who are important to me. I feel successful sending out simple, yet thoughtful greeting cards and I always try to make something delicious to share with my co-workers during the season. Receiving from another is of course a delightful experience. Not because I’m getting something, but because I believe that the person giving the gift must have had the same happiness as myself in selecting, wrapping and presenting it.

But in honesty, gift giving has become more of societies obligation to one another instead of a joy and an honor. Time and desire seem to be falling by the wayside and money, well let’s just say most of my gifts come from the heart.

I still enjoy tales of Santa, his reindeer and his magical travels. How does he visit every house in one night anyways? I have hope of snow and sit quietly at night watching the twinkle of the lights lovingly wrapped around our specially selected tree.

Christmas gatherings have always been a highlight in my holiday season. The planning, execution and afterglow of a successful get together. Whether it be for work, church or family. I thoroughly enjoy the laughter, eye rolling and stories that come with such an experience.

The Advent Season in church is beautiful with songs, candles and greenery.  The four Sunday’s leading up to a simply lovely Christmas Eve Service are my favorites. Hugs, promises of get togethers and the exchange of a gift on a snowy night before Christmas will always hold a magical place in my heart. 

And the most important part, at least for me. The infant Jesus. His birthday! His story. How his mama found out she was expecting. Her ride to the place where she would give birth and those who were at her side as she brought her precious son into this world.  

That’s it. It’s that simple. Yes, the story, as for all of us in life, goes on. But that specific part is cherished by so many in our world today.

So enjoy the lights! The food! The commercials! 

But always remember the journey of a woman and the cries of her babe so long ago. For they will always be the reason for my Christmas Celebrations.