I Love Christmas!

There is much to love about Christmas. Not the commercialism of it and some stores decorating before Halloween has even shown it's ghostly head. Not the fighting over this or that with another customer in a store on Black Friday or the long lines associated with that day. Not even the mountains of Christmas presents under a tree. Because that isn't what Christmas is really about. But there are some wonderful qualities about Christmas to keep in mind while you're out there getting ready for this beautiful holiday.

I love the colorful lights. I love all the RED that is glowing or glittering everywhere. I love shopping on-line for Teo's presents and imagining the delight on his face when they drive down for Christmas this year and he sees the spectacle of lights and greenery both inside and outside our home. I love the idea of Santa Claus and seeing photos posted on Face book with families posed with the jolly fellow, an elf, or Mrs. Claus. I love the smell of Christmas, the fresh scent of fir trees, cinnamon candles, baked goodies, and the smoke from fireplaces. I love the happy music being played everywhere. I love the old classic movies that are brought out year after year and played over and over again, never tiring of the same happy ending. I love all the delicious food, candies, pies, and cakes. I usually gain five pounds at this time of year and that's okay.

I love the memories of Christmas as a child. My Daddy's proud face as we rushed out to the tree at dawn on Christmas day clamoring to see what Santa had brought. In retrospect, I believe those were memories he cherished to the very end.

I love the scenes displayed where Joseph, Mary, all the animals, and the three Wise Men are gathered around the manger where Baby Jesus lies with all the hope and love that represents. When I hear children's voices in perfect harmony singing Christmas carols, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. So innocent and my heart sings, too. The idea of God sending his only Son to teach us and the celebration of His birth is an occasion of joy and blessing. 

So yes, there is much commercialism involved these days, but in the right frame of mind, Christmas is a joyous, fun, beautiful, and blessed happy holiday. I love it!