Today I realized it is already December 7th and I ask myself where the year has gone. It seems as if it were just the first of January and now here it is only twenty-four days until another year begins. I thought about my goals for the year, one being to blog weekly. It appears I have not done so. My good intention fell by the wayside sometime I think in February. I don’t know why I did not keep my goal, but sure it had to do with other things going on in my life.
Today I realized not only is there twenty-four days left in the year but there is eighteen days until Christmas. Each year I embrace the Christmas season/holiday season. I love this time of year. I can not get enough of the music, the holiday themed movies on the Hallmark channel and of course the old stand-by animated shows like “Frosty” “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “Santa Claus is coming to Town”. There were the black years (as I call them) that I had no interest in Christmas (age seven to thirty-seven). A childhood event caused this, but it was the meeting of my second husband that brought back my spirit. Now it seems I can’t get enough of the holidays.
I play Ms. Santa and give out little items to people at the various clubs which I am a member such as the American Legion, VFW, Amvets, Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge. Sometimes the little item I give someone is the only thing they may get as a gift. What I enjoy most is seeing the look on the face of a person who I don’t know as I hand them a little package and say to them “Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays”. A little gesture can bring a bit of joy and gladness to a person who might be having a bad day or having feelings of being down.
During this season of hustle and bustle we should stop and take a moment to remember the real reason for the season. We should stop and smell the roses or this time of year the evergreen scent, eat a Christmas cookie, have a cup of hot chocolate or holiday favored coffee and think about what Christmas does mean. A few years ago I penned the poem at the end of this blog. It gives all something to think about during this season of good will and good cheer.
As I enjoy all my activities during this season, I am grateful for what I have in life; it may be as much as some, but possible more than others have. So until next time…..i wish each of you a blessed holiday season…Merry Christmas….Happy New Year; and don’t forget to hang your stocking for Santa to fill and leave him milk and cookies as well as carrot sticks for the reindeer.
A FEW SHORT WEEKS….ONCE A YEAR
What is Christmas?
A most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas is more than
The sights we see,
Sounds we hear
And activities we do
For a few short weeks
Once a year
It is more than
Tinsel lit evergreen trees
Holly wreaths and mistletoe
Decking the halls
And candles aglow
In the window panes
Christmas is more than
Cookies we bake,
The feast prepared for the day,
Stocking hung by the fireplace,
The jingle of bells
And carols we sing
It is more than
Gifts given or received,
Greeting cards we send
And the hustle
And bustle
Of crowds at the mall
What is Christmas?
A time to reflect
Why…..we celebrate the season
A joyous time to share with family and friends
Christmas is a feeling of love
Within our hearts
If only….a few short weeks
Once a year
