Christmas Isn't Christmas.....

"Christmas, isn't Christmas 'til it happens in your heart. Somewhere, deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts." Next to, Mary Did You Know and Do You Hear What I Hear? this is my favourite Christmas song. Of course, you won't hear it on the majority of radio stations during the Christmas season. Well, it is the day after and I truly feel that Christmas was deep inside everyone in my family this year. Sometimes it seems as though this special day is an event to endure. Family squabbles, poor driving conditions and over tired children may compound the stress of preparing for Christmas. Not this year, not for my family. It was an amazing, joyous day and I will treasure the memories in the years to come.

Happy New Year one and all! God Bless.

The Spirit of Giving

It really is quite magical when your children ask you to take them Christmas shopping. I know what you're thinking, they wanted to wander the shops pointing out the top toys on their list. Nope, not this year. My little angels have been saving a portion of their allowance in order to finance their own purchases this year.

So, off we went to a local store, in keeping with their meager budgets, to find the perfect gifts. I was instructed to wait, without peeking, as they scoured the aisles finding treasures for their Grandparents and GG. Once the purchases were made and their money carefully tucked away, we hurried home. The wrapping began! By the time they were done the table in the basement was covered in ribbons, bows and discarded scraps of paper. Both children, laden with gifts, trekked up to their rooms to hide their parcels until Christmas.

I was amazed at their wisdom as I listened to their comments to each other: "Finally, I know what it feels like to give," said one to the other. "This is better than getting a present. I can't wait for Grandma to see this!" the younger one replied.

Little do they know, but my children have already given me the best gift. They embraced the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. God Bless.