~ If Christmas is accumulating debt that isn't paid off until the following summer, then we aren't having one.~ If Christmas is a table laden with food that will be pushed down the garbage disposal the following week, then we aren't having one.
~ If Christmas is a tree stuffed with presents that are the main focus, making everything else meaningless, then we aren't having one.
~ If Christmas is faking smiles over gifts you don't like and wondering how much it cost so that you can return it, then we aren't having one.
~ If Christmas is even one person in the room feeling ashamed or embarrassed because they couldn't afford the "A-list" gifts, then we aren't having one.
But...
~ If Christmas is tired family jokes and stories of Christmases past,
then we are having one.
~ If Christmas is smiling eyes sparkling in the candlelight,
then we are having one.
~ If Christmas is everyone laughing at the cat,
then we are having one.
~ If Christmas is a family making the best of a financial emergency that is not our fault,
then we are having one.
~ If Christmas is music and laughter and making the most of what we do have, and not focusing on what we do not,
then we are having one.
Presents under the tree isn't Christmas, I've had presents and no one to open them with me.
A feast is not Christmas, I've sat alone on a park bench eating Chinese take-away for Christmas.
Spending money isn't Christmas, I've gone into debt buying gifts that no one appreciated.
Christmas is family, friends, togetherness, music, laughter and most of all, love.
But Santa Claus HAS come, and he brought me the greatest gift of all when he brought me you!
ReplyDeletePoor cat!
ReplyDeleteStill. Sounds like my kind of Christmas (it feels like a rarity these days).
Sounds like a damned fine Christmas to me.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Lynette and everyone in your families and beyond!!!
Amen! Amen!
ReplyDeleteThis is my philosophy exactly, Steph! I would rather have the beautiful snow,the stars shining at night, and the perfect artistry of frost feathers on the window - than anything you could buy at a store. You have hit on the real core of Christmas. Peace and joy during the Solstice and during the New Year!
ReplyDeleteChristmas was this for me last night: during a break in rehearsal of Worship Ensemble (a group I play and sing in at my church), my buddy Tim started playing the bass line, on his bass guitar, of "Linus and Lucy" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and I joined in with the melody playing on my recorder and everyone laughed! A little thing, but it was cool - magic of music.
ReplyDeleteA gift from the heart is all anyone needs and all they should want. I hope your Christmas is everything you need it to be.
ReplyDeleteBlack Box brought me here...I LOVE YOUR LIST!!! I would steal it but I don't have enough energy tonight!! Have a wonderful Christmas season!!
ReplyDeleteChristmas was this for me last night: during a break in rehearsal of Worship Ensemble (a group I play and sing in at my church), my buddy Tim started playing the bass line, on his bass guitar, of "Linus and Lucy" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and I joined in with the melody playing on my recorder and everyone laughed! A little thing, but it was cool - magic of music.
ReplyDelete