Contributing writer
Tradition. That is how we hold families together. Christmas is the most meaningful highpoint in all of our celebrations.
Every family has a place of action. Starting when the calendar reaches December. It is time to make lists. A list for sending Christmas cards and a list of people to receive gifts.
Then there is the special music for this special time, and I don’t mean “Jingle Bell Rock.” Christmas songs are fun, but don’t forget “Silent Night.”
Mother has been adding gifts along the way, so she will be ready. And it is time to decorate the house. A big artificial plant for the porch and a wreath in the door. Little articles are placed around the house and the nativity scene placed on the mantel above the fireplace. I know some women who collect nativity scenes. How does she choose a special one? Oh, and that group of carolers on the piano? There will be music playing on the TV, I hope there will be real Christmas music. Everyone wants to have a party. I remember my Sunday school class met at my house and we sang carols. Then there is the tree. I wouldn’t put up an artificial tree, but now I have changed my mind. Age does catch up.
When my children were small, we gathered at my parents home, all of us. We all stayed there Christmas eve. In the morning I see my brother-in-law holding back the children gathered on the stairway until everyone was ready. They were anxious to receive their gifts. The gifts were under the tree and spread out all over the floor.
I hope the children were aware whose birthday was being celebrated. A Merry Christmas to you all.