Thoughts and Memories of the Season

I have always loved Christmas, and for me it has always been more than the day. To me, the entire Christmas season is what is so magical!

For my, Thanksgiving is always the beginning of Christmas. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my family typically went to a Christmas tree farm, selected the "perfect" tree, chopped it down ourselves, and headed home. Then Daddy would string up the lights, Mama would set out decorations, and the boys and I would hang the ornaments. Christmas music played, a fire would be lit (if it was cold enough outside), and Christmas season officially began! Now that we are older, that tradition doesn't happen every year, but we all love Christmas, so we make a big deal of it in our house.

I know the holidays can be hectic, but I love every part of it. I love thinking about what I am giving to people, tyring to find the perfect gift. Yes, that can be overwhelming, but I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love it. I love hearing Christmas carols played and sung everywhere. I love leaving stores or restaurants with a, "Merry Christmas!" I love how people are a little kinder, a little friendlier, a little more willing to smile as they walk down the streets.

At my old house we set up our tree in the living room by the piano. I used to love creeping in there at night or early in the morning with my hot chocolate and just look at the lights. Sometimes I would read, but a lot of times I would just sit and think.

For the past few years, I have been able to be a part of the Christmas Eve services at my church. That service is my favorite part of the entire Christmas season, and I absolutely LOVE being able to sing in it. I love the rehearsals, I love showing up at church at 3 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, I love being a part of it, I love singing on the stage and watching as the glow of candles lights up the chapel, the reflection dancing on everyone's faces. That is the essence of Christmas to me. After the service, we usually get together with some close family friends for dinner and relaxing.
I am very thankful for the memories of Christmas that I have. I am thankful that my parents love the Season, and they love it because of the heart of it - Emmanuel, God with us. I get so much from Christmas. Yes, there are the gifts on Christmas morning, but more than that, my soul is rested, cheered, reminded of the truth. That to me is the magic of Christmas and why it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.