Merry Christmas to All

This season has been great for me in many ways. First my neighborhood decided that instead of exchanging neighbor gifts that we would get together and donate to the local food bank instead. Can I say that I have the best neighbors to think of this? So not only did we not have to waste time and money to get all of the neighbors things, we also did not have to be tempted with all sorts of treats this year. Second, the leader of our local church encouraged those who attend to focus on service this year and set a congregation goal of 8,000 acts of service. Each member was asked to do 40 acts individually. So not only did I not have to buy gifts for people (I admit I did not even to cards this year but took all of that money and donated it) but it was a service-centric season as well.

This really is what this season is about. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Hanukkah is the celebration of a miracle of light. Kwanzaa is the celebration of family, community and culture. I am noticing that none of these is a celebration of food and presents. While these are important cultural elements of these holidays, the real meanings can sometimes get lost in the shopping and baking. This year our family did not put up a Christmas Tree, but rather put up all of the nativity sets we have (this was a health decision because of Mom's treatments not to a hum bug) and it has been nice to be able to focus the story and meaning of Christmas. Christmas has long been a family favorite holiday and it is nice to remember why.

And so though its been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you!