Christmas Bliss

I am having a hard time digesting the bitterness of anti-Christmas citizens. I can appreciate your decision, choices not to partake in this holy day, yes, for many of us it is still a holy day, but there is even more to celebrate. Years of tradition in my family makes Christmas one of our favourite times. I do look forward to being spoiled and spoiling my loved ones, but it is not common practice for us to hoard gifts through the year only to dump them on the floor around our tree on December 25 thinking we have accomplished something or made a point regarding our giving abilities. It is a day we celebrate and give more than other times but it is not about the wealth we can accumulate. I want to share a memory for anyone who takes the time to read this but before I do, please note, last week I went to the mall to shop for stocking stuffers as well as to see the decorations, Santa and to listen to the Christmas carols echoing through the halls and stores. Also, in my world today I often allow my faith to fall behind other thoughts of school, work and money, this provides a needed and welcome reminder of who I am and what I believe in.

As a child my Christmas memories begin during the first week of December. I sat up as late as I could to watch all of Timmy's Christmas Telethon with my parents. The Sunday of that weekend was Invermere's Super Sunday (you know it is a small town when everyone comes out to shop on the same day!) we drank hot-chocolate, had pictures taken with Santa and rode on the hay covered sleigh over the snow packed streets of downtown. This was usually followed by dinner at Grans house.

As the month progresses our house got decorated, I remember Dad holding me on his shoulders to pin the garland and stars in the ceiling. The tree lights lit every night as we counted down the sleeps.

Christmas day, a morning of excitement, coffee with liqueur (only on Christmas!), presents opened and off to Gran and Gramps we went. There was always goodies and games. So many people, many we didn't get to see throughout the year (what a great time to get away with Christmas breaks from school and work). I remember the way the house smelled, I remember Gran in her pretty Christmas dress, often picked out and given to her by Gramps, her hair freshly set wearing a sparkly Christmas broach. I remember Gramps, pictures of me on his knee as I showed him my favourite new toy or outfit.

As I got older the traditions changed. Mom and Dad inherited the turkey and we welcomed everyone to our house. As teenagers Jessa and I invited all of our very cool friends to snack and decorate. Remember the hawk and fred?!
With age I began to share my mom's faith and last year we started a new tradition of going to see the live nativity.

For my Christmas is memories, faith, family, friends, music, sweets and so very many hugs. It is about new kittens and 7-foot stockings. For my family it is the most wonderful time of the year and it has so many unique meanings. I am sorry for people who cannot truly appreciate the love in Christmas. For those who see it as material and pointless, when the only tradition they have is grumbling about it, perhaps it is simply not their season- then leave it for us. Or maybe, try it sometime. Give yourself and the love and hugs within you- you might be surprised