I'm Starting Early
The holidays are upon us. While we jumped the gun a bit and put up the tree over the weekend, I couldn't help to notice that many other people were doing the same. Forget about the retail stores and their incessant need to squeeze in a few extra days of Christmas spending. I think that people, in general, are ready for the holidays.
I keep telling myself to take time out for Thanksgiving. Honestly, what I'm most thankful for is the Christmas season. It has been such a difficult year for so many people, I can't help but to think that turning our attention towards each other might help to get our minds off of our own difficult lives.
This morning, I stumbled out of my bedroom just before 6 and wandered towards the kitchen for a healthy dose of OJ. On the way, I was caught dead in my tracks by the brilliant illumination of our glowing Christmas tree. For a brief second, I was 6 again and it was Christmas morning. The wonderment of the Christmas season, the incredible birth of Jesus, and the joy felt by millions upon millions of people around the world, in that single day, unites us all.
Today, I'm starting early. I'm ready for Christmas. iTunes is cranking out Otis Redding's “White Christmas.” I bought firewood yesterday and tonight it might actually be cold enough to burn it. Thursday we will gather around our 16 pound Butterball, surrounded by our closest family and friends, and be thankful of the pilgrims and indians we learned about in American History. However, immediately following our Thanksgiving feast, I'm getting right back to Christmas.
The world is a difficult place – no matter where you live. This Christmas season, may you all find your childhood joy and amazement of the miracle of Christmas and the love that fills even the darkest of hearts. God Bless Us — Everyone.