WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

When I became a Christian about thirty-eight years ago, a strange feeling came upon mne. I began to dislike Christmas and all the busy-ness that went with it. I wanted to concentrate on the spiritual side of the holidays and somehow couldn't because of all the activities that went with them.

I had so much more to do then than I do now: shopping for tons of people, baking all types of goodies to give as gifts, sending out Christmas cards, picking out and decorating the tree, decorating the rest of the house, wrapping presents, going to tons of parties and on and on. No matter how hard I tried to get that mysterious undefinable feeling that is called the Christmas spirit back, I just couldn't and haven't for a long time.

Over the years I just learned to accept it and somehow get through all the tasks, occasionally experiencing little glimpses of the magic I used to associate with Chrstmas. I still collected my manger scenes and enjoyed setting them out each year.

This year is different, however, and I don't know why. Maybe it was the rest in Florida for a month, maybe it's because my life is not as hectic. Whatever it is, I'm enjoying it thoroughly. I brought out my manger scenes and the little artificial fiber optic Christmas trees and stuck them in the front windows, both upstairs and down. I adorned the front porch and three holly bushes in front of the house with lots and lots of tiny colored lights. And I turned on the white lights that stay year round on the ficus tree in the dining room.

I wouldn't say that I've gone all out in decorating, but it's just enough to suit me. Tomorrow (the 23rd) is going to be my day for cooking. I'm cooking a turkey, then cutting it off of the bone and putting it in chicken stock to store in the refrig. Then all I have to do is heat it up and make the gravy. I'll make all the other stuff, dressing, squash casserole, bread and have it all ready to heat'n'serve Christmas Eve night, when the Nashville family all gathers at our house. (Because of my recent battle with oysters, I'm ommiting the scalloped oysters this year.) Brenda and Laurie will bring two other dishes each.

So once again we will be well fed and excited to open presents after dinner. And I won't be so tired from spending all day in the kitchen; I can really enjoy the gift openings.

To all my readers out there, I hope you all have a very merry Christmas, and will truly enjoy it. Maybe we will even turn off all the lights except for the Christmas ones and play inspiring music.

Actually, that will probably have to occur on Christmas night when everyone is gone. I can't see the grandchildren getting into that scene!