An unwrapped Christmas

Saturday, Dec 24, 2005

This day reminds me of my mother, for this was the day that, as a child, we as a nuclear family celebrated Christmas. She worked all day preparing the big feast for that night. And then we would go looking at Christmas lights while Santa came with the gifts. Then upon return, there were the dolls lively displayed, bikes ready to ride, or a toy of some sort ready to bring delight to its new owner. Christmas wasn't wrapped. It was in full view and full of magic. Santa really could have come.

Today, I will do some of the things my mother did. I will be busy all day preparing for tomorrow's dinner. And with grown children and as yet no grandchildren, some of the magic is missing. Since most of us are not Christians, it is a day to get together, eat, laugh, chat and sometimes play games. We exchange stocking stuffers only, for we adopt a needy family for Christmas.

So times and traditions change, some things remain the same or similar. Love expressed in giving remains a constant. This is the real magic of Christmas and so our Christmas today is, in this sence, still unwrapped and in full view and filled with magic.