Christmas Time

          Last night I picked out my very first Christmas tree with my cousin. We bought all sorts of decorations, lights, ornaments, silly window stickers and of course some holiday cookies. We listened to Christmas music and the spirit and magic of the season really came alive. It was a new experience decorating something in my own apartment...usually I just go home to my parent's house for Christmas and all of the decorations are already up; but, it was really a fun thing to do. Our little four foot tree isn't much, but somehow it's just perfect. There is something amazing about Christmas time, I feel like it really brings out the BEST in people. We tend to be more giving and more Christ like because it's so easy to feel grateful for all of the things we have been blessed with.
           When I was younger, I remember one Christmas in particular. We were really struggling financially and we couldn't even afford a tree that year. My parents sat us down and told us we were only going to get one present each this year. I was a little kid, so naturally I didn't understand why Santa was all of a sudden on a budget; but, my dad still worked hard to make sure we each had a present. My family was just a little at rock bottom. I remember we didn't have heat in our house and it was so cold you could see your breath, so all six of us (my parents, two brothers, my sister and I) all slept in the same room-on the floor by the fireplace to try and get some heat during the nights. I remember this chapter of my life very specifically because it really brought us closer together as a family. 
          Anyway, that Christmas morning we woke up and there was a note on our front door...it said, "Christmas is on the back porch." My parents looked at each other confused and all of us kids ran outside and sure enough there it was-a beautiful tall Christmas tree and bags of presents. We brought the tree inside and opened up all of the presents and to this day I can't remember what I actually got. I just remember the feeling...the experience. My parents still have no idea who it was that gave us Christmas that year; but, it's a lesson I have never forgotten and it has made a lasting impression on me. Every Christmas I think of that day. I wonder who gave up their own presents to bring me one. 
          The entire thing was simply and purely the kind of charity and Christ like love we all strive to possess. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about it. What an incredible thing this was. It sort of gives you hope-hearing stories like this. For me, I feel as if my confidence in mankind is restored. People do still care. There is still kindness and sacrifice and LOVE in the world. I want to do something like this for someone else one day. I think when people do things for you, it makes you want to reach out and contribute as well-sort of like a world wide 'chain of love.' We're all brought here to take care of each other but sometimes the selfish hype and excitement of the number of presents, money spent, and gifts received overtake us. The idea of Santa is a nice one-for little kids especially; but, we can't remember the true cause for celebration. The reason for  Christmas is and always will be: CHRIST. 
          How sad would it be if on his birthday (although I realize his actual birthday is April 6th, but still come on Christmas is about celebrating him)...but what if his birthday was about us. What if Christ's name was never spoken or praised or celebrated? CHRISTmas is about taking time to appreciate what you do have and help those who have less feel loved and blessed as well. I have a good life. I have struggled sure, but I've always had a roof over my head, clothes on my body, and food in my mouth. I have been so blessed to have amazing and supportive parents and siblings that make life worth living. I have music, laughter, and joy in my life. God has been extremely generous to me and I know I don't take as much time as I should to stop and say thank you, but that's one of the great things about Christmas.
          Christmas is NOT about presents; but, I try to be thoughtful and sincere in my gift choice because it's a way to show the people around you how much they mean to you. A few years ago at Christmas, I made my parents a DVD. It had pictures and music and clips of us kids talking to them. I think it really turned out good. It made me feel good though; because, I found a way to adequately express myself. We are lucky to have so much. Success isn't measured by the dollar amount on your paycheck, or the number of cars and houses you have...it's about the way that you treat people and the decisions you make. I love Christmas because it truly is a wonderful time to stop the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just...smile. My family has a tradition of making treats and taking them around to neighbors. I'm hoping to continue this tradition in my own way. It's fun to grow up and feel independent; but, I will always know this: truly there is NO place like home. 
          One of my favorite things about Christmas time is the music. There is so many different kinds: fun, spiritual, silly...the list goes on and on. But, Christmas makes me miss my piano like crazy. There is something about music that most people just don't understand. It explains things in a way that words just can't. Lyrics are poetry. Without music, life just WOULDN'T make sense. Its a wonderful way to contribute to the magic of the season. I especially enjoy singing along and dancing while decorating. This year for Christmas, I'm going to try really hard to remember the true reason to celebrate and to let the people in my life know that there IS a reason they're there. What it comes down to is...I love Christmas :)