Here in Southern Oregon it's cloudy and rainy with no hint of snow for Christmas. But I'm filled with joy as I enter this holiday season because I was able to make most of my gifts even though my eyes are still blurry from my eye surgery.
To me, Christmas isn't all about gifts however. It's about giving something of yourself to others and sharing your life with family and friends. My eight year old granddaughter shows me the enthusiasm for the holidays that I hope to hold in my own heart. Her excitement over a cup of hot chocolate as we gather close together helps me remember my younger days when my zest for the holidays was at its peak.
It was one New Years Eve when my sister and I were in high school and our family life was turbulent. She and I decided to drive over the hill to Pasadena and stake out a place on the sidewalk so we could see the New Year's Day Rose Parade. We were absolutely thrilled with our adventure. The one thing that never crossed our minds was that our parents didn't know where we were. Since they were out for New Years, we figured we could stay out also. But when they finally found out from the lady staying with us that we flew the coop, they were frantic. We happened to call home in the wee hours of the morning and received a terse instruction to please come home. So, we missed the Rose Parade, but I came away from this adventure with the realization of how much my parents cared for me.
Now, since my parents have passed on, I take time to remember them, not only during the holidays, but when I visit with my sister and brother. This Christmas, I'm sending all my friends and family a special blessing, that you would hold your relationships close and remember to tell them that they are loved.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my family and friends!
