December 2018

This is the season filled with fun, life, love, and decorations. When I entered the store, a wave of cheerful music hit my ears. Then the aromas of cinnamon, peppermint, Fraser Fir scented candles filled my lungs. My eyes quickly darted over to the brightly lit decorations of red, blue, green, and white. Looming above were inflatables of Santa and his sleigh. My face lit up with childhood memories. Whew, I made it through that section without picking up anything.

I finally made it out to the trees. I began looking at the ones six foot and up. The third one was the charm. I loaded it onto the car and headed for home.

As I ascended the attic stairs, the scene of the military warehouse in Indiana Jones “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” came to mind. As far as the eye could see in every direction, were boxes upon boxes stacked one on top of the other.
As I hunted through my boxes, the first one I open was filled with blue and white ornaments. Nope, not what I wanted. The next was filled with red and white ornaments. Nope, don’t want those either. Ah, here we go, red and green ornaments just what I wanted.

I found my treasures, but before I decorate the tree, I have to make a cup of hot chocolate with a little whipped cream, and some peppermint sprinkles, voila. Next, I put on some music to set the mood. Finally, the fun part, tree decorating. Then I decorate the house and the yard. The neighborhood definitely knows I’m in the holiday spirit now.
All the decorating is worth it especially when my grandchildren come over. Seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes is a wonderment. The first things they see are all the lights. As they draw near, they see angels, the manger, trees, a snowman, and a sleigh with a bag full of toys.

I enjoy being busy, trimming the tree and decorating. Then I remind myself to stop, take a deep breath and remember the purpose of Christmas. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. The greatest gift was love. It is written, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope and love—and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13 NLT) “… It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

During this Christmas Season, when all have gathered round the table to partake of the feast set before us; remember what brings you together, the greatest gift, love. Spread it all around.

I pray that joy, peace, and love will overflow unto you and your family this Christmas, and may all your wishes and dreams come true.