"Twas the Night Before Christmas......."

     I can remember hearing this poem, by Clement Clarke Moore, back in the 2nd grade. It had made such an impact on the meaning of Christmas then and still warms my heart as I read it time and time again each year.

 It gets difficult in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas Shopping to sometimes stop, see, and feel the Good Things at Christmas.  And when we finally do Christmas is almost over and we missed those precious moments in life that take us back through the years and leave us with memories we dare not forget.

Take a moment to smile when you see Santa promising that glorious new bike, or parents spending all they have on a new game system for their children, knowing it will cut into their small household budget.  Admire and give to those Salvation Army volunteers who stand outside, sometimes in the bitter cold, ringing the bell for Charity.

Laugh with your friends at the Christmas parties you might attend, remembering that life can be short lived and those moments can be the ones you will treasure forever.

Respect and appreciate all your coworkers who help you with your work load regardless of any situation that arises at work.

And Love your family, who share all the good and bad times and support you throughout the year.  Hug your kids even though they sometimes don't like it or they failed that final exam and will have to repeat it again next semester and you don't like them at the moment.

Cherish your parents no matter how old and childlike they have become, depending on you for the answers, as they never looked away when you needed them as children.  Kiss your spouses, embrace their love, and rekindled the moments that made you say "I Do!"

I look back on some pictures of days gone by with "comfort and joy" the feelings we sing about and return to those nostalgic memories that carry us through any rough times we might be experiencing.  These last few years have been quite difficult for many as jobs are few and bills are many. 

The pictures of my girls displayed here take me back to the times I did so enjoy watching them enjoy the wonderful moments of Christmas.  And I never tire looking at them and remembering.  They are like watching a sunrise at the beach on a warm and balmy morning.

You won't find the true meaning of Christmas wrapped up in that beautiful package placed under the tree, but in your heart where it needs to be.  Remember that Christmas is about the Lord God, whatever you conceive him to be.

 Take a moment this Season and be grateful to Him who loves us unconditionally.  There and only there will you find the peace and purpose of your being and Christmas will be a joy!

It is then that we welcome the New Year, with an open mind, body, and heart, with grateful expectations of good health and many successes for all of those we care about. 

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,'  "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"*

*   Twas the Night Before Christmas, a poem by Clement Clarke Moore, also known as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" written in 1822 and published first by the New York Sentinel, Dec. 12, 1823.