Sorry guys.....I've been super busy this past week trying to get my Christmas shopping done. I started out on such a good foot - but then things slowed down (in the idea department) and I was left doing my usual daily trek to the stores in search of the perfect gift for each one on my list.
Why do I stress like this? Hubby says "give 'em all gift cards..." I say "No way!" Part of the joy for me at Christmas is watching the people I love open a gift that I have chosen especially for them. Buying the right gift takes time. It means you have to stop and think about that person and know what they like - what really thrills them! (That's why when a husband dashes off to the store on December 23rd and grabs what ever is closest to the door of the store - has it gift wrapped and hands it to you Christmas morning....there is a wee bit of...shall I say....miffedness?) (my own little made up word) Not that hubby routinely does that - but he did it once and it pissed me off
Anyway - yes, I tend to obsess when it comes to the gifts. Because in my heart I know that Christmas is much more than all of that. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Christ (even though He wasn't born then) It's still a time to reflect and remember what His birth means for all of the world. It truly was the greatest gift - so I guess in a way I try to make my gifts great too. Not in the spectacular, look how much I spent on you way - but in a way that says, "I love you. I care about you. I hope this gift makes you smile."
I used to think when I was a kid that Christmas must be pretty boring for my parents. They just sit there with nothing to open (save the token $3 gifts we'd get them) while we tore open tons of really cool things! But now that I'm the parent - I've realized that they were probably enjoying the day even more than we kids were! Because (and I know it sounds trite - but it's so very true) giving really is better than receiving!
I am so darn excited for daughters and their husbands and my grandson to be here Christmas morning and open the gifts I've chosen for them! I can't wait! And I can't wait to be able to all sit together and fill up a whole church pew (like we used to) during the Christmas Eve service. As we hold our lit candles and sing Silent Night. I can't wait! And I can't wait to go to my brother's house on Christmas Eve and be with all my siblings and nieces and nephews and eat too much food and laugh and reminisce and open gifts and wish my parents and first hubby were still here to celebrate with us.
Which brings me full circle to why Christmas is so special to me. Because of the first gift given that night some 2000 years ago - someday I will see mom and dad and first hubby again.
Thank you, Jesus.
1 comment:
that was truely beautiful.. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas..
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