Here we go again, our favorite time of year, chock full with memories of children's laughter and anticipation of Christmas Eve celebratory fun, food and family. Yes, that's what has made our memories. The kids, The laughter, The anticipation, The food, The fun...and yes the gifts too. I just can't wrap my head around how today the words Merry Christmas is an offensive phrase. My kids always knew what the reason for the season was. We celebrated CHRISTmas for obvious reasons. Even though memories of the season revolve around the fun, food and frolic, the reason for the season was always because of Christ. It's not Holidaymas, it's CHRISTmas! Why we celebrate in December I don't even know the answer to that. Christians celebrate Christ daily...in prayer, in thanksgiving, in testimony of His goodness and grace. Without Him we are nothing, we have nothing...it's ALL His.
I can't help but notice, now that I'm on this 'offensive' Holiday subject, that Thanksgiving has also gone by the wayside from my memories of Thanksgiving past. I remember the aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, the sound and smell of coffee percolating in the pot, my parents pushing the kitchen and dining room tables together, excitedly waiting for out of town guests, spending hours and hours at the table eating our Thanksgiving dinner, desert pies and fresh fruit. Snacking on cracked nuts and hard candy between meaningful, reminiscent conversation with family and friends while kids raced from room to room making their own precious memories only to do it all over again with the leftovers. What happened to that Thanksgiving??
Today we don't even come together at Thanksgiving as kids grow up, get married, have families of their own, maybe move out of town or out of the state and begin their own traditions. I won't lie, my heart hurts sometimes. Christmas and Thanksgiving are not what they used to be. Used to died and now took its place my husband often says. Sadly, today Thanksgiving is all about Black Friday when that day was always reserved for tree decorating and Cyber Monday was when the cookie baking began for Christmas gift giving. Even though I lament what used to be I understand what is and cherish the memories, love the pictures, tearfully watch those dreaded home videos and vow to go on into the bright future that God has provided, making memories for our adult kids, their spouses and our grands including copious amounts of hugs, sloppy kisses and I Love Yous, the knowledge of 'knowing' Christ and yes, memories of tons of gifts under the tree.
es
