I used to be a Christmas loving freak. Seriously. As a teenager I was bad. I’d get up about 3 am and start dividing the presents into piles for everyone. I got caught doing that once. It worked out well for me though. We went ahead and opened the gifts.
Once, back in the Nintendo days, my parents bought me the Donkey Kong, Jr. game. Okay, before we go any futher, don’t judge me. I’m going to be 40 next month. I know I’m old. Back to the story. They bought me the game and I noticed the shape under the tree. While they were sleeping, I opened the package and took the game out. It doesn’t end there. I played it. When I was done I put it back in the package and closed it back. I did that on more than one occasion with that game.
Through the years I’ve been known play Christmas music at any time during the year. People have gotten annoyed with me, but that’s okay.
I can remember loving Christmas as a child. Like most kids I looked forward to it all year long. I think that was also partly because my birthday is only two days before Christmas too. Do you know how hard it is for a kid to wait all year for presents? I have specific memories of second grade. Sitting in my classroom while the Christmas trees were being delivered to our classrooms. We made decorations for it. I can remember the smell of the real tree. I would stare at that tree so many times through the day.
When I was a teenager in Oklahoma, I remember the senior boys going out and getting a Christmas tree and bringing it to the library. It was just a fun time. I love the feeling of Christmas.
Christmas at home was even better. I remember putting up the tree with mom and watching Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and Frosty. It really was the most wonderful time of the year.
As I have gotten older I seem to have lost that feeling. I’m pretty sure it has to do with all the materialism that seems to have invaded it. Along with all the political correct mumbo jumbo garbage. I wish I could recapture all the innocense and hopefullness that surrounded Christmas. I’m just not sure its possible. Thanksgiving has taken the place of Christmas as my favorite holiday. I love that it centers on being thankful. I try to make that a practice throughout the year, because God has been so good to me. I can’t thank him enough. The food is great too. Who doesn’t love Turkey and dressing, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and all the side dishes?
So as this often hectic time of year begins, I challenge you and me to slow down. Take in the moments of thankfulness next week, and then live in that through the end of the year. Don’t let it leave you. I think that will help bring back a small portion of the Christmas spirit. God bless you guys and Happy Thanksgiving!!