Christmas Reflections, written December 20, 2009

As I sit here gazing out the window, sipping my cup of hot chocolate, I cannot help but think of all the blessings that God has bestowed on me in my life, especially the past several years. Some of the memories do not seem as if they were blessings at the time, but in retrospect, if I had not experienced them, I would not be where I am today, or be the person that I have become. The only thing that would make this moment any more perfect would be fluffy snowflakes softly floating to the snow-blanketed ground, and adding to the already heavy snow-laden branches on the evergreen trees. They provide much needed warmth and cover for the birds, whose singing I enjoy so much. I am sitting here enjoying and being thankful for the warmth and love of my home, fondly reminiscing, as I am holding and feeling my cat Pansy softly purring on my lap. I am enjoying these warm feelings, the sound of Christmas music playing and the fragrance of our beautifully decked Christmas tree this holiday season. I am truly blessed.

I am thinking of the many reasons that this Christmas is extra special to me this season. This is the first Christmas Brian and I are sharing as husband and wife, which is new and exciting. We have the rest of our lives together to unfold, and to experience everything we see as new and undiscovered, much as a young child. We are blessed to be celebrating our family Christmas this Sunday morning in our home, with his children and grandchildren, which I am joyously anticipating, relishing the special magic of making new traditions. The fireplace will be burning and crackling, warming and softly lighting the room with the tree all aglow, reflecting the flames of the fire in each and every red and gold bulb; and the smell and charm of candles burning, as the grandchildren squeal with delight as they open each and every present. Making new memories is what it is all about.

I warmly remember Christmas mornings as a child. My sister Karla and me getting out of bed way too early and racing to the tree to see what Santa Claus had brought us. Pictures being taken of us proudly holding our presents, smiling ear to ear, our hair tousled from fitfully tossing and turning and trying to sleep because of the anticipation of opening Christmas presents. Toys, wrapping paper, bows strewn all over the living room. As we got older, we were typical sibling rivals, especially with the six year age difference. We always had to count the presents to see who got the most! I remember asking Mom and Dad why Santa Claus chose the same wrapping paper for the presents he gave us as what they used for ours! Also a memory of my dad enjoying the toys as much as Karla and me, if not more, him getting down on the floor, getting the toys out of the boxes and assembling them, his hair messily hanging down over his forehead and his glasses sliding down his nose, as he was contemplating what went where next.

Mom and Dad always made family Christmases special, down to the perfect tree layered with tons of glass ornaments, sparkly lights of green, yellow, blue and red, colorful garlands strung around the tree, and Mom making sure there were lots of shiny silver tinsel flowing down the branches; hiding our presents where I could never find them (not for lack of trying); setting cookies and milk out for Santa; Christmas albums playing on the stereo, listening to the soft crooning of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, each of whom I still enjoy; the sweet smell of cookies baking in the oven; making fudge and divinity; and our home beautifully decorated with all the splendor of the Christmas spirit. Mom and Dad always invited Santa to visit us on Christmas Eve when we had our family Christmas, with my brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

I played the organ as a young girl and I remember one year in particular, much to my dismay, when my dad placed stereo speakers on our front porch, and the neighborhood and cars passing by could hear me playing Christmas music. I remember being embarrassed when finding out about that later! Another memory was when I was past the age of believing in Santa Claus, my dad tried to make me think otherwise. Early one snowy Christmas morning Dad motioned for me to go out in the front yard with him, and much to my amazement, there were hoof prints in the snow, which led me to wonder if Santa really did exist! Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!!

My dad has long since gone home to be with his Lord and Savior, November 7, 1996 to be exact. My memories of him and his influence on my life is as clear as a bell ringing on a cold, crisp Christmas morning. Mom is no longer physically able to hold family Christmases at her home, but the many memories that I have as a child ring true in my heart, and I cherish them deeply.

Most of us five kids have our own family traditions now, or are making new ones, either together or separately with our own families. But I truly hope and pray that at least in all of our hearts, we are all together again this joyous holiday season, as we celebrate the holy birth of Jesus Christ.

May God bless each and every one.