With Christmas coming next week, I have so many Christmas memories swirling around in my head.
I am remembering the past Christmases when my kids were young. I enjoyed the time we spent decorating and baking. How excited they were on Christmas morning to find an array of gifts waiting for them under the tree. We were a family that did not include Santa Claus in our holiday traditions. We always told them that God had provided the money and resources to give them their special gifts. There did not seem to be a problem with that until one lady we met at a store asked my youngest daughter, who was five at the time, what Santa Claus was going to bring her for Christmas. My daughter, who was very shy back then, did not answer. Once we left the store, she looked up at me with big brown eyes and asked: Who is Santa Claus, mommy?
Now, those kids are all grown and gone their way, some with families of their own. I don’t know if they followed the same tradition they grew up with or started some of their own. Christmas is not the same, for me at least, without kids around. We live in a small home, so we don’t do much decorating. And we have developed our own traditions.
In keeping with my new Christmas tradition, I share a poem I hope will be uplifting to you.
Let there be kindness at Christmas by Jenny Maryl
Let there be kindness at Christmas, for one and all,
Let others know the dove of peace has come to call.
Let others see that with you, Christmas can be kind,
Leave spoonsful of joyfulness for others to find.
Distribute your smiles, let them float to those around,
So when the smiles reaches them, happiness is found.Let there be understanding at Christmas this year,
Let others know that your forgiveness is now here.
Let others see that with you, hate does not belong,
That with you, they will once more find hope and feel strong.
Open up your heart, and let them know that you care,
And that when tomorrow comes, you will still be there.
May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Season. Happy Holidays from my house to yours!