Christmas

This truly is a magical time of year.  Even though I am not little anymore and don't believe in Santa, I still have this wonderful feeling of warmth and excitement around my heart near Christmas.  I love everything about it.  The story of the birth of Jesus, snow, sparkly lights, the mystery of Santa, family, friends, warmth, good food, presents, Christmas songs, silent nights.

All of it makes up Christmas.  I watched an interesting documentary the other day on the history of Christmas.  A celebration during the winter started long before Jesus was born, a way for people to get through the dark, cold months.  Soon it encompassed the nativity and then became a holiday for gift giving and children and families.  So when people say that no one celebrates the true meaning of Christmas anymore, we actually do.  It is what we make it.  If we want it to be about family, and trees, and candlelight services, and caroling then that is what Christmas is all about. 

What a great idea.  To have all these wonderful wintry things all wrapped up into one Season.  The gift of God, sparkly wrapping paper, playing Parcheesi under the Christmas tree, scents of apple cider, and the north pole.  That is what Christmas means to me.

our little tree