What I Want For Christmas

My son called me up just the other day…”Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” For me….this question is almost as hard to answer as the question, “What do you want for dinner?” Because for me…it seems that as the years go by, there really isn’t anything that I “want” for Christmas.

Oh sure…the old standby gift card is always great and I would never turn one down…but for me…when trying to make a Christmas list this day in age…will it really leaves much to be desired.

What Christmas Is All About

“The true meaning of Christmas” is a phrase that actually began to appear in the mid-19th century when there was a change towards a more secular culture that resulted in a national backlash. “To think only of others…to never give up hope…to put others first…and how to bring true happiness to others…that..is the true meaning of Christmas.”

Gift-giving…decorating…feasting…family and social gatherings are all symbolic of the Christmas Holiday Season. Christmas…is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people all around the world.

The Giving Of Gifts

A Christmas present or gift is given in celebration of Christmas. According to the Christmas tradition, this gift exchange is symbolic of the presentation of the gifts presented by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus. One must always remember…Christmas…the Season for the Season.

Oh, Christmas Tree…

Did you know….that in 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. This very ancient custom, he had said…exalts the value of life…as in the winter, what is evergreen has become a sign of ever dying life, and it will remind Christians of the “tree of life” of, an image Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity.

To this very day..the Christmas tree is decorated with spectacular lights, strings of garland, ornaments, tinsel, and even candy canes. In the 18th century, these beautiful trees were illuminated with beautiful candles. Ultimately, they were replaced with electric lights after the advent of electrification. An angel or star is usually placed at the top of the tree to represent the Angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem, from the Nativity.

Christmas…The Gift Of Giving

Gifts are such a wonderful way of showing someone what they really mean to the other person…and what better time…than at Christmas. These days there is everything under the sun to give and to receive. For so many..making their Christmas list is like second nature. Their list may go on and on…but only because there are many things that they want that only money can buy. This is a wonderful thing for them..because it makes gift buying for them..oh so easy. I, on the other hand, am not so easy to buy for, simply because..what I long for in life…is priceless…money just cannot buy. As the years of my life have passed..I’ve come to the point where, if there is something I want or need…I just go on ahead and buy it. My family and friends know that I have a few favorite things that I like and collect…my angels, rosaries and absolutely anything Houston Astros…because of my love of baseball. But other than that and for the record…I am more content to be the gift giver.

Deep From The Heart

Shopping for gifts on anyone’s list is great and always fun..but it’s the gifts that come from the heart are what matter the most. Homemade gifts are the very best…especially if it’s sweet treats. Plus, don’t ever forget…that Christmas time is the best time to pay it forward. The feeling you get from doing something nice for a total stranger is the best feeling ever. I remember one time last year I was in the drive-through at Starbucks and it was my turn at the window. I paid for my order and then gladly paid for the car behind me. I just paid, then asked the girl at the window to please tell the customer I said, “Merry Christmas and that I was paying it forward.” I remember seeing in my rearview mirror that the person received their order and then drove to passed me after I left and waved thanks to me. That grateful wave…made my day. You really should try it if you never have before..it’s a feeling that you’ll never forget.

My Christmas list in closing…..simply consists of the continued good health of my family, friends and myself. My hope is for happiness that will spill over into the new year. For love to grow and never fade away. Yes….there are other wishes that remain in my heart…..and those will come in due time. For you…my friend reading this…..may your Christmas list be filled with your Hopes…Dreams…and Everything In Between.

—Brenda

XO