A Child's View of Christmas

My eyes opened wide as I peeked out from under my quilt. My nose was cold and the bed was like a warm cocoon, but the excitement was bubbling up from deep inside of me. The sunlight was just starting to peek around the bedroom blinds. No matter how warm it was in bed I could not stay there one more moment. I folded back the covers so very slowly because it was frosty in the house. As my feet touched the icy floor I hurried to my robe and slippers nearby.

The cold seeped through me even with my robe wrapped around my heavy flannel nightgown. I tiptoed to the window to see if it had snowed during the night. I saw that Jack Frost had painted beautiful pictures all over the window panes, but one spot he had missed and I was able to see the blanket of new-fallen snow. A smile came to my lips and a soft little giggle escaped. This was definitely the most perfect of days!

Another giggle escaped my lips it was so very hard to be quiet when one was only 6 years old and filled with such excitement. Why the whole world should have been up with the breaking of dawn; but everyone in my home was fast asleep. That meant I had to be so very quiet as not to wake them. Slowly I crept to the front room. It was so very hard to walk slowly and carefully; the floors were wooden and they creaked.

It seemed like forever but I finally made it to the front room! There by the window was the most beautifully decorated Christmas tree. There were big bright light bulbs and colorful Christmas ornaments but it was the tinsel that set the sunlight dancing round the tree. I snuggled into a chair; took the afghan and wrapped it around myself for added warmth. I studied that tree so very carefully. While I was studying the tree I pondered on all the events of the month that had led up to that day in December. I could hardly stand all of the excitement in the air! Finally, I heard my Mother in the kitchen. Before she called me to breakfast I gave out a huge sigh; would this day never end? For a 6-old year December 24th was the longest day of the year!

(Those events took place on December 24, 1953, but the impressions of that particular day are forever stamped in my mind. Now the month of December rushes by ever so rapidly but in our youth time did stand still!)

Christmas Presents

Holiday Cheer – what does that phrase truly mean? Is this the time of year where manic behavior is the norm and those that do not join in the fray are accused of being a “Bah Humbug” Ebenezer Scrooge?

During the season the manic behavior of Christmas shopping is rife whenever you go into the malls. People are carrying multiple bags. It almost looks like refugees fleeing a war zone! The true reason for the season has been forgotten for many – Santa; Rudolph; and Frosty have become the most important part of Christmas time. When did the quiet spiritual contemplation of the Christ child become replaced with this?

Traditionally people did not shop till they dropped. Why, because they did not give gifts to the world! Today everyone has to have a present for the mailman, the doctor’s and dentist’s office, the office staff, your children’s teachers and bus drivers. The list just never ends. When did this start?

Remember when our Mother’s would bake special breads and cookies for their friends. They would wrap them up in pretty paper - the presents were a gift of time and love. Then they would set aside a time to go visit and enjoy each other’s company! Yes, things were kept simple in those days; most children were given a toy from Santa. That toy was very special to us and we played with that toy all year!

This year times are rough for so many of us let us go back to simple. Instead of an inexpensive present for your friends – give the gift of time and love. Spend some time with them and if they are too far away for a visit send them a personal letter or email acknowledging their special friendship. That present will be held dear because it was from your heart! Instead of spending useless hours wondering from one store to the next - spend precious moments creating a gift.

To simplify the season is to really appreciate the truth of love! Remember when Jesus was born it was not to a royal court but in a rude cave carved out of limestone. He was born to humble people; He did not need fanfare. He just came in love! So let us share that love this year. Instead of giving from our pocketbooks let us give from the heart!