Experiencing Christmas

Woolen socks warmed the feet of the WWII soldier stationed in Kodiak Island, Alaska and, later, served as his children’s Christmas stockings. Each year oranges filled the toes beneath new underwear and socks. Nuts scattered among the empty spaces.The small Christmas tree, cut with a hatchet at the family farm, provided a cover for gifts and a backdrop for ornaments. In the South, no one dreamed of a white Christmas, but everyone knew all the verses to all the carols. Christmas was simply magical for my brother and me.

Where do we find Christmas today? Volunteering for the live manger scene at your church. Visiting Aunt Sarah on Christmas morning, because she loved you so when you were young. Baking cookies for the school’s lunchroom ladies. Slipping into the back of a church in Salzburg where Silent Night was first performed and listening reverently as it is played once again. Hanging the family pets’ ornaments on the tree with your grandchildren. Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to children too excited to sleep. Tiptoeing to your parents’ bedroom to whisper “Thanks” as soon as Santa goes up the chimney. Getting a puppy on Christmas Eve. Sending a Christmas card with a “real” family photo.

Christmas isn’t found on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. It was never meant to leave us broke, haggard, exhausted, or disappointed. Christmas is that once-a-year time when we have permission to seek the very best of ourselves and others. Where do we look? Christmas is waiting amid the season’s simply magical experiences.

With love from our family,

      Gay and Tim

      Jeremy, Jennifer, Anna Lauren (10) and Leighton (5)

      Evan, Krissy, Keegan (16) and Aiden (5)

      Rachel, BJ, Tyler (12), Wynn (6) and Blakely (3)

      Ted, Shelley and Bryan (13)