Home for the Holidays
It's that time of year again, when the joy and the sounds of the season surround you. I am one of those that love this time of year. Yes, I actually love listening to holiday music for 30 days, I love the lights and all the sculpted, stuffed and painted Santa's, all the colorful ornaments that adorn the windows and shelves of every store. The gift baskets and stockings and outrageous Santa hats galore. But what I love most about the season is that it always takes me home. The cherished memories and love that is felt and in the air. I'm lucky this year that I actually get to physically transport myself to spend the week with family, but even when I'm not able to be in their presence, this season takes me home.
I remember the Christmases of past, even of the year my sister Paula swore to Lori and I that she saw Santa's sleigh take off from our rooftop and heard the jingle of his bells. Only to look out the window unable to catch a glimpse of him next door or across the street or flying through the star lit night. We did however, run down the stairs to see that sure enough he had been there. Our stockings were filled, more presents under the tree and the doll I so badly wanted my mother to make was sitting tall and beautiful.
I recall the times of baking caramel and toffee, popcorn balls and rice krispie treats and taking them to neighbors. Of eating pine nuts and pomegranates, of hot chocolate and fires, of games and movies. The tradition of always being able to open the gift from grandma and grandpa Tomsik and it always being pajamas to wear to bed on that special night. Of our white flocked Christmas tree and it's blue lights that shined so bright through the front window and later all the themed Christmas trees, Mom always made look so special. The hours spent wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree and the special Christmas breakfast shared with family.
This year, while I may not have all I want for Christmas, I'll have what I treasure most, time with family for more cherished memories that will carry me through the year. That will refresh my hope and belief that life is treasured and happiness comes from believing, from sharing and for loving others.
No matter what your cultural or religious beliefs may be or observances you honor in the coming weeks, it’s the season for slowing down to remember what is important and why you celebrate. It’s the season for cherishing your loved ones. It’s the season for believing.
I remember the Christmases of past, even of the year my sister Paula swore to Lori and I that she saw Santa's sleigh take off from our rooftop and heard the jingle of his bells. Only to look out the window unable to catch a glimpse of him next door or across the street or flying through the star lit night. We did however, run down the stairs to see that sure enough he had been there. Our stockings were filled, more presents under the tree and the doll I so badly wanted my mother to make was sitting tall and beautiful.
I recall the times of baking caramel and toffee, popcorn balls and rice krispie treats and taking them to neighbors. Of eating pine nuts and pomegranates, of hot chocolate and fires, of games and movies. The tradition of always being able to open the gift from grandma and grandpa Tomsik and it always being pajamas to wear to bed on that special night. Of our white flocked Christmas tree and it's blue lights that shined so bright through the front window and later all the themed Christmas trees, Mom always made look so special. The hours spent wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree and the special Christmas breakfast shared with family.
This year, while I may not have all I want for Christmas, I'll have what I treasure most, time with family for more cherished memories that will carry me through the year. That will refresh my hope and belief that life is treasured and happiness comes from believing, from sharing and for loving others.
No matter what your cultural or religious beliefs may be or observances you honor in the coming weeks, it’s the season for slowing down to remember what is important and why you celebrate. It’s the season for cherishing your loved ones. It’s the season for believing.
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