Posted 16 December 2006 - 06:34 AM
Well, I have no family except for a brother in New Zealand and that is a bit of a hop for a short visit. Traditionally my family didn't put a lot into the celebration of Christmas with all the gifts and stuff. We got together, had a big meal, some laughs, and a few small gift exchanges. That was about the extent of it. I have not had a Christmas tree but once or twice in the last 10 years or so. There are no gifts to give nor recieve so the tree seems a bit of a waste. I, of course, celebrate the rememberance that Christmas is all about, or at least is supposed to be. Each of us keeps this day in a different way and for different reasons. It is hard, for me at least, to emphasize something on one particular day that I celebrate everyday of the year. Meaning no offense to anyone, but the celebration of the Christ Child and what He brought to the world is not found in a store, a package, or under a tree. It has no dollar value assigned to it. It is priceless yet at the same time...free for the asking. Search and search in all the malls and various places and what we were given by this Child is not to be found. However, if we find the time to turn off all the noise of the season. Set aside all of the worry over what to get and where to go. Seek a little time to ourselves and instead of looking outward for the meaing of Christmas, look within our own hearts. It is within and from the heart that Christmas is found. To share what is found in the heart with someone is the deepest meaning of Christmas. It is pure, simple, and sincere. But most of all...it is free. May all of you, my extended family, find the joy that is Christmas in your own way in your own heart and find someone to share it with and if no one else, share it with your self. Merry Christmas everyone...Bill.