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It's that time of year…the world is busy hustling and bustling about. Christmas music is being played everywhere you go. "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and so many more. I absolutely LOVE this time of year. At our house we have many traditions in regards to Christmas, some new and some old. Normally, I like to put out the Christmas decorations on THANKSGIVING day. However, I live with a few scrooges who complain, so this year I have waited till a few days after. While putting up the tree and other decorations, we drink eggnog and listen to all kinds of Christmas music. When we were little, we used to go to one set of grandparents house and open presents, have a big dinner, and of course all kinds of desserts. Usually mom and dad would allow us to open one present before we headed to bed. Then we would set out some homemade crème puffs and a tall glass of milk for Santa. We would write a letter to him, which usually consisted of "hope you like the crème puffs". Somehow we knew mom and dad were "Santa" but we just couldn't prove it! On Christmas day we would wake up early, excited about what new presents were under the tree. We would quietly walk into mom and dad's room, waking them by our arguing about who was going to wake them. Then we'd run in and grab our Stockings and see what neat treat was in them. Usually, almost always, some piece of fruit or two. You've got to wonder what "Santa" was thinking when he put FRUIT in your stocking. He must've run out of candy canes! One year, my little brother got COAL. Yes, it was a mean, cruel joke my parents played, but they gave him his real stocking after they got him calmed down! Then we'd all hop in the car and go to the other grandparent's house to open MORE presents. The one tradition I remember most was during the entire month of December, Mom made what seemed like a giant Christmas tree out of felt, which we hung on the wall in the living room. Every day we would read a story out of the Bible and put a small piece of felt, shaped as something that was significant to the story, on the tree. We read about Moses floating down the river in a basket, Joseph's coat of many colors, and so many more. But the closer it got to Christmas, the closer we got to Christ's birth. How exciting it was to at last put the STAR on the top of the tree. Us kids would fight over who was going to put it up! Growing up, Christ's birth was ALWAYS a part of Christmas. And still is. Today, we have ham, mashed taters, dressing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie on Christmas Eve, and usually play board games of sorts. On Christmas Eve I fill everyone's stockings with mostly chocolate…NEVER fruit! **laughing** We sleep in and wake up to open presents and dump our stockings unto the floor to see what "Santa" left. **Somehow, I think they know that I'm "Santa".** The ole coal trick doesn't work anymore, but it's still fun to try! After we open presents we'll chow down on some homemade chicken and cheese enchiladas and more pumpkin pie! **I'm not sure how we got that tradition** Usually Dad will read the Christmas story to us as we all gather around our presents. Right now the weather is turning cold (yippee) and it's time to get out our winter coats. There was rumor of snow, but I've yet to see it! People are starting to put lights on their houses, trees in their windows, and presents under their trees. There's just something special about Christmas. It seems people are more cheerful, more giving, more in the mood for family time. What is it about this time of year that causes adults to become kids, again. I mean who doesn't like to go out and make snow angels **note, this is not quite as fun in SLUSH as it is in fluffy white snow** The bell ringer outside of almost every shop makes me think of good things. It makes me think of things this country, we as human beings, can do and actually do for each other. We're so willing to give a helping hand because, it's Christmas. In a month, this season will be over and we'll be returning, breaking, or using our presents! We'll forget the kindness we were once so willing to share. We'll forget about the presents and we'll forget about the decorations. I pray there is one thing we never forget…Our Heavenly Father chose to send us His son. Our Savior was born…born to die a cruel death…died to save us from our sins…rose from the grave…and is now awaiting to come back and receive us unto His own. But it all started with one tiny baby…one born in a manger…spotlighted for all the world to see by a bright and shining star. Let's not let our star go out after Christmas. No matter what your traditions may be, I pray you a safe and blessed Holiday Season! May we shine our stars toward Jesus every day of the year!

Reader Comments

I just want it to be known that I am NOT one of the scrooges that Amy was talking about.

Deon

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

I, too, put up my decorations on Thanksgiving. :thumbsup: I'm glad to know there are others like me out there. We are ready, right, Amy?

God is good all the time & all the time God is good. 

Elaine Harcourt

Elaine, I am SO ready! I love this time of year. I've procrastinated this year though. I'm going out today to buy NEW decorations! The others are a little old, but I have this feeling I'll keep many of them!

Amy Marie

“If somebody makes me laugh, I’m his slave for life.”—Bette Midler

Wow- Amy I wish I were an Unthank I really enjoyed that.Even when life is so crazy-and we arent sure we can stop for air must less a Holiday.A piece of reading takes you all the way back to a childs fantasy land and a parents love and care for them..What great parents.My hats off to your family.
Rick Hendrix

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