To some it encompasses endless frustration & stress of preparing for a day that's so quickly over, much like a wedding. It can strike a cord of anxiety with just the mention.
At times, it is even the cause for deep depression & loneliness. Hiding under the covers you avoid the happiness of others, wishing the day to pass quickly.
Another might be filled with excitement of receiving something you've put off buying for yourself all year. As the day draws near you itch to take a peek under the wrapping before the 25th.
Or, you may be the giddy giver, delighted by the smile you've placed on someone else's face.
To others it's something deep & spiritual. The birth of the Savior. Your thoughts focus on those less fortunate and you do your part to help make their day a bit brighter.
For me- it can be a mix of all the above. Those of you close to me know what a difficult year this has been. One for the record books in my life. As Christmas approached I found myself for the first time wishing we could just "skip it" this year. But as a parent I knew I couldn't disappoint my kids and I've fought to keep a smile on my face for their sake.
Well- little did I know, this emotionally draining year would bring one of the best Christmases ever- all thanks to my AMAZING babies! Without spending a single penny they created memories that will last me a lifetime!
I first received a gift from my son. His sisters had secretly taken his precious chubby little hand and helped him scribble beautiful bright lines in green, purple, pink & yellow all over white paper. They wrapped the colorings over an empty box and tied it with sparkly silver pipe cleaners, fashioned with a bow. Attached there was a letter. They helped him write out the following:
"I took an ordinary box
As empty as can be
I filled it with a special gift
And wrapped it carefully.
But please don't ever open it
Just leave the ribbon tied
And hold it tightly near your heart
Because my love for you's inside!"
Tears welled up in my eyes as I read these lines & visions of their efforts popped into my head. The love and thought they put behind this gift meant THE WORLD to me! I felt so blessed to know in that instant that they were MY babies and witness the lovely, caring, incredible souls they have become.
Next I was given a white picture frame. Pretty seashell's glued along the edges, surrounding a small picture of my daughters standing on the beach, the ocean behind them. A picture I myself took on our summer vacation. Below I read these words:
"A daughter is a bundle of
firsts that
excite and delight, giggles
that come from
deep inside and are
always contagious,
everything wonderful
and precious and your
love for her knows no
bounds."
My daughters then explained to me that the seashells were ones they themselves picked up along the shoreline on this very trip. Their treasures, their discoveries, their tokens brought home from so very many miles away. Once again I was tearful, greatful and filled with joy & pride.
THIS is what Christmas is about to me! LOVE! Love for those those hurting, love for creating happiness, love expressed by putting true thought & time into giving- LOVE for one another in the simplest form! It didn't cost them a single cent to give me something that can never be bought. A moment in time I will NEVER soon forget!
I wish you ALL this kind of love! We all deserve it- no matter our faults & flaws. No matter our strengths & weaknesses. No matter our mistakes or misgivings. And no matter where we find it. LOVE! It's as necessary as the air we breathe!
<3 Merry Christmas & the Happiest of New Year's! <3
