So happy to see this weekend! One more week until Christmas break! All across the country, kids are gradually going bananas in anticipation of the oncoming Christmas holiday, and parents and teachers alike are very ready for a respite, to recharge and relax a bit. People employ the assistance of the "Elf On The Shelf," "Santa is watching," or the ever-menacing phrase mentioned to unruly children, "I've got Santa's phone number!" Even then, it seems to do no good sometimes. I often wonder how Christmas would be celebrated if it were merely the celebration of Jesus' birth? No Santa, trees, gifts, candy, stockings, etc. Would there still be the pomp and circumstance of the amazing event of His birth? Sadly, it would probably be just another religious holiday for most people. Even Easter is overshadowed by candy and bunnies. Sure, those people who understand the true meanings of these holidays will give praise to Whom praise is due. I guess I'm just sad that Jesus gets swept under the rug during these blessed times of the year. Let me re-introduce this phrase back into the mix: "Jesus is the reason for the season." In my house, I have Christmas trees, an awesome Christmas village, a cool Santa collection, I listen to Christmas music, and I love Christmas! However, I have to stop and remember what it's all about. No, nothing is wrong with these things. I enjoy looking at lights, watching Christmas movies, and the occasional glass of eggnog. (Occasional..thanks, diabetes. LOL) However, if these things overshadow the true meaning, then we have a problem. During the Christmases that I have shared with kids, whether it be legal or foster kids, we kept the real meaning in the forefront. When my boys left letters and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, they always asked Santa to remember it was Jesus birthday. Santa (aka dad) always praised them for remembering this. They understood it. What has really awakened this emotion in me this year stems from the financial wipeout this past Fall, when every penny was stolen from my account, which included my Christmas savings. Christmas this year will be very meager, with only small things being given to family and close friends. To be honest, that doesn't bother me at all. I have a home, family, great friends, a wonderful job (2 of them), and kids who give me hugs every day. I have all that I need. God sent me that financial catastrophe to help me realize that. I worried about Christmas when that happened, and now that it is here, God's grace is sufficient, and He has made me content. This post was not intended to be an editorial on how Christmas should be celebrated, but I guess that's what happened. LOL. Is anyone with me on this one? OK, I'm getting down off of my soapbox and I'll proceed with the news of the week:
I think I have recovered from my 2-month stint as Santa in the play that wrapped up last Sunday. We received sooo many compliments on the singing, dancing, acting, and how the sets were moved and changed with such fluidity. Some said that it was the best show they had ever seen at that theater. I have been tired somewhat this week, but I took extra time to sleep in this morning, and it has helped immensely. I miss my cast members who became like family, and we hope to meet again sometime on stage in another show, whichever and whenever that may be. As tiring as it was, I'm glad that I was able to participate in the musical rendition of my favorite Christmas movie of all time. It was a thrill!
I came home from work a few nights ago, and we received a visit from our former neighbor, who lived next to me on Main Street. She is an awesome person, and the best neighbor I ever had. We have kept in touch. Anyway....She came to visit. Her mom is getting older, and is no longer going to use her little Christmas village set pieces, and did she know someone who might like them? My neighbor boxed them up and brought them over to my house. I now have about 12 new buildings for my village (which is quickly turning into a metropolis), some light-up Christmas trees, a small stretch of cobblestone streets, and figurines. I was on cloud nine! I thanked her about a hundred times. After she left, I was in a quandary. Where would I put them? The tables I use for the village are already at capacity. I have no funds to buy a new one. So, I dragged over one of the big radios that still sits in my living room. It has a good-sized tabletop. It sits higher than the village tables. I stacked some small boxes and draped a Christmas blanket over them so that my city now has a hill with lighted houses occupying it. I'll try to get pictures up soon so that you can see. I'm so thrilled with it.
I have some things that I need to get done today, and I need to get off of this contraption. I want to thank you for reading. If you got this far, and survived past my sermon, you deserve an award! LOL. I pray God's blessings on you this weekend throughout this CHRISTmas season!
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