Christmas is not a time for rules and judging and competition. It is a time for self, family, and friends. Feelings surrounding Christmas are the most valuable. Feelings evoked from the songs, movies, colors, lights, bells, cards, eggnog, hugs, and the aroma of sweets can trigger an inside smile or a visible skip in my step. It makes me feel good all over.

Christmas brings to mind memories. The time my sister drove 300 miles and couldn’t make the last 30 miles to my home because of a blizzard. The transparent plastic paper my mother carefully pressed on the triangular windows in the front door because it looked like leaded glass. The popcorn balls my grandmother made for her dozens of grandchildren. Painting Christmas cards with grandchildren. The hysterical laughter during white elephant exchanges. Remembering where and who as I bring each ornament from the box. Scavenger hunts to find our gifts. The congregation singing Silent Night by candlelight. My friend, getting the roller skates I wanted. Playing Santa at 2:00 a.m. Grabbing every blanket and coat so the family could ride the Santa Truck. Santa leverage to have well-behaved children. The requirement that all gifts had to be handmade. The last Christmas with my parents. Making and gifting candy, candy, and more candy. Finding a Jolly Santa to come to the house; etc. etc.

Write down YOUR memories of your past Christmases. It was fun.

Dr J’s Comments

We could all write a book about Christmas Memories. No better time to begin the first story than today.