...He is born!...

President David O. McKay(1873-1970) declared:  "True happiness comes only by making others happy-the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it.  In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.  

It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring 'peace on earth,' because it means--good will toward all men."

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit.  Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed.  The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than things.  To catch the real meaning of the "spirit of Christmas," we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the "Spirit of Christ."--Thomas S. Monson

...help given when unexpected...

Isn't it a great feeling when you are at that place where you let your mind think "I cannot do this"and then you see them.  Like an angel sent from above, there is someone to help; unexpected and appreciated.

...Christmas surprises...

Giving a little of yourself to another to brighten their day is the best way to brighten yours. Many, many cookies and rice krispy treats later, I'm a happier person.

...ginger snaps...

I wish I could take a picture of the smell.  We switched to a "faux" tree a few years ago, so we have to replace the piney smell with candles.  It is not quite the same.  But, that's okay because nothing is like the smell of gingerbread coming out of the oven.  To me it really says, "CHRISTMAS"!  

...School Holiday Programs...

I do my best not to be disturbed when I hear news of school Holiday programs not being able to include any Christmas music. I would like to believe that I am not living in the last bastion of traditional America. You see, last night I conducted a Holiday Program that included "The First Noel", "We Three Kings", "Bidi Bom" (Hanukkah song), and "Do You Hear What I Hear". We also had the Santa songs and "Jingle Bells" thrown in for good measure. The kids wore their Santa hats and the little girls dressed up in their pretty, sparkly red dresses and they sang their hearts out. This is a public school. I am so happy that all the children are getting the opportunity to hear and learn these traditional Christmas songs that bind our generations together. I hope it is still happening in other places also. I am thankful that those who may not share my religious beliefs at least share my enjoyment of this season as a time with a tradition of hope, service, and love.

...Christmas lights...

My favorite thing about this Christmas tree is the lopsided star.  That imperfection makes me smile.

As I was driving home last night it struck me that the thing I love about Christmas lights is that it is a time when neighbors get together and do something really sort of silly, just for the fun of making each other happy.   As you look around at the lights it's sort of a microcosm of people in general.  Some are more simple folk and want to participate in the group effort so they put up a strand or two. Some want to participate, but they want to make sure that everyone knows that they are up on the current trends.  So they look around and do what other people have done.  You know the types.  Remember when every other house had "Las Vegas" style lights, or icicle lights, or now it seems to be blow up Santas and Frostys, etc.  Then there are those people who just have to stand out from the crowd.  Their contribution must be noticed.  They cover every possible bush and tree.  Then, of course there are those who don't participate.  I hope it's not because they are hum-buggy.  Anyway, I am thankful for everyone who joins in.  Thank you for all the work you put in to help make our Christmases a lot brighter!

...Christmas time is here...

So, Christmas time is here.  I have to admit I wasn't feeling it, yet.  We arrived home from our Thanksgiving trip on Dec. 1, got right back into the swing of life, and Christmas was still hanging out there somewhere in the future.  Then, I turned on the t.v. and there he was, with his little tootsie roll antlers and permanently stuffed up sounding voice...Rudolph.  Suddenly, it was Christmas time.  Now, I know that Rudolph and Santa, etc. are not the true meaning of Christmas and all that; but, I have seen that shiny red nose every Christmas of my whole life.  So, he helps bring the feeling of Christmas time.  This is one of the hard things to learn as you get older. Christmas changes.  When you are little Christmas is magic.  Later, if you are lucky, you get to make Christmas magic.  Anyway, seeing little Rudolph and all his misfit friends always reminds me of Christmas magic.  So, here we go...jumping into another Christmas season...ho, ho, ho!

...baby's laughter...

I was lucky enough to spend some time this Thanksgiving in the company of a baby.  This sweet little boy reminded me a lot of my little guy.  My little guy was a very quiet and serious baby. (Although, he did smile at me the day after he was born.  No one else believes me, but he and I were there and we know the truth.)  He wasn't much of a crier and didn't demand your attention.  He spent most of his time looking around at the world and filing everything he saw away for future use.  So, when something would strike this little guy funny it was really funny.  I remember one time when he was about  six months old he was sitting in his car seat.  I started shaking my head at him and in a silly voice said "no, no, no".  Then he would shake his head and laugh and laugh...that glorious guileless laugh that only an innocent is capable of.  Pure, unadulterated comedy.  "Mommy did something I didn't expect and it made me happy."  Just the memory of it makes me want to laugh...and cry at the same time.  That little guy is bigger than me now, but every once in a while Mom will say something that catches him off guard and I love to hear that bit of my little guy squeak out in between the bass range laughter.