Except the no snow and the lack of houses with Christmas lights. But the gifts are purchased (Thank you Internet and UPS) and wrapped (Thank you Hubby!) and under the tree (Thank you Mom and Dad!) and soon the end of the frenzy will be upon us (Thank God!).
This year Christmas has taken on a different, better meaning for me. We joined a Church this past summer. Red Oak UMC to be exact. And it is amazing how the commercialism of the years past recedes in the face of the Christmas Story. Don't get me wrong...You can't see the base of the tree for the presents and not everything has made it out there yet. The kids will still be swamped by the rush of consumer euphoria that they are accustomed to. But this year they will have spent more time thinking of the reason we are celebrating. More time thinking of the people that are not. They have been introduced to the idea of people who have different beliefs and of people who have little or nothing to give. They have been taught the story that truly belongs to to Christmas is not T'was the Night Before Christmas but rather the tale of the morning Jesus was born. And I have had the joy of watching their eyes open. The pleasure of knowing they are learning something that will provide for and protect them. The wonder of watching our Family grow and become part of our Church Family. I never knew what that meant, nor how much. I am humbled by the love and blessed to be part of this wonderful experience. I am truly thankful this year.
It has been an amazing journey that I am grateful is not over yet.
Now if you'll excuse me....I have to go wrap presents........
