Well said, Tony. The holidays are special and I don't wish them away. I even enjoy the New Year fireworks since we no longer have a little dog who was afraid of the noise.
I think of all the down stuff that have been happening, my son-in-law is still not doing well, we thought he'd be home by now, he's still in the hospital. So I think my mind is searching for some good stuff, I just wrote another thought process which I'll post after this
Christmas love Picking out that special gift for family or friend That's a sign of love Putting presents under the tree for your children That's a sign of love Baking Christmas cookies for family and friends That's a sign of love Preparing a Christmas dinner That's a sign of love Sending Christmas cards That's a sign of love Midnight Mass praying for your family That's a sign of love Contacting loved ones on Christmas Day That's a sign of love Christmas Gatherings of family and friends That's a sign of love There are so many things we do at Christmas time and year around that are signs of love. Tony
Yes, I was sad for a lady that lives here, about my age, maybe a few years older, but I went in to help her with her new TV and there were boxes (plastic tub-type) all along one wall and she lived here almost as long as I have(6-years). I didn't even think before I spoke I just said something like wow, what are all those boxes since she is a very, neat, organized house-keeper. She said they were her supplies, or I can't remember if that's the term she used. But she said "hard times coming" and she had her X or someone keeping some sort of storage facility I guess. Maybe some think I'm stupid but only rarely buy even 2 dozen eggs, and definitely only 1 pack of TP.
It IS a glow. You can feel it when you're out. Even with "all that's going on," everyone seems to be infected with the spirit.
You're right the Christmas spirit is very special it's what inside us the year around, in a low beam but around this time of year the high beams come on and it's a beautiful thing. You just want to do something special for the ones you love, to get a smile especially if they're hurting.
Morning after Christmas (Sunday) and we just watched our DVD video of The Glory of Christmas. This magnificent Presentation took place at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. When we lived in So. California, we attended this twice. Once, we paid for it and another time, we were just getting ready to buy two tickets and somebody gave us two tickets that couldn't go. Offered to pay, but they said to us, "no thanks and Merry Christmas". When the DVD Video came out, some years ago, we bought it. Have watched it each Christmas. It's a tradition for us now. The Presentation includes live animals, including camels, and six Angels (on wires) that come down from the corners of the building and sing. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful Presentation!
Our Christmas Eve was just like Thanksgiving--no children or grandchildren. Both are the first time that my wife and I have spent those holidays alone since Jimmie Carter was President. We had Two of our sons and their families here for Christmas dinner yesterday, so that was more normal. I think another family will be here on New Years, and we hope to travel to Seattle to visit children and grandchildren we haven't seen for some time after the first of the year unless the government screws things up.