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Celebrating Christmas differs as we sense His Holy Essence

It is that joyful time of year! Christmas will soon be here — December 25 — a day celebrated around the world. Celebrations are as varied as the people who enjoy it, even in families.
My most memorable Christmases were those when I was a child. Growing up was during early World War II days, but Christmas was always exciting.
Drawing names at school and getting a present or waking up on Christmas morning and getting presents. It was delightful. Some years it was one present; other years maybe two presents, but always a surprise. I didn’t write a letter to Santa, but the jolly old fellow always made it to our house and left something.
We would all go out together, find and cut a small pine tree before Christmas. The tree was always beautiful and smelled wonderful. After all the ornaments were on the tree, Mother would add the silver tinsel icicles. This took patience and we didn’t have it. She draped them over the branches and the tree was always beautiful. The silver tinsel sparkled from the glow of the colorful lights.
I remember one special year when I was supposed to be asleep, I actually heard Santa enter the house and put gifts under the tree! I had about decided there was no such person, but that year restored my faith.
My most enjoyable holidays were when our children were small. Their wants were usually simple; a doll, trucks and cars (no brand names). It was a joy to go shopping because we could pick out the prettiest dolls, a doll bed and even a doll house. In addition to cars and trucks, a pair of cap six shooters in a cowboy holster, maybe a cowboy hat…and other things dear to a little boy’s heart.
We spent so much time on Christmas Eve putting together toys of every description – from bicycles to doll buggies. You have likely been there!
When they got up on Christmas morning, they were always so happy with what Santa brought. There was no crying because they didn’t get everything they wanted. The morning brought happiness!
Then along came television, they grew older and their wants changed. All the advertising made them more specific about their list. Shopping became more hectic because the things they wanted were scarce or non-existent in the stores. Hectic shopping trying to find items they wanted so they wouldn’t be disappointed.
Then they grew up and it was harder to find perfect gifts. So we finally resorted to that age-old gift that always pleases – money! A little gift under the tree to open and money to get what they wanted.
As adults, they started drawing names and everybody buying for the children. This worked out pretty well. Everybody gets one gift at the family gathering and the children get a bonanza!
Finally, since there are so few adults, one year we decided to just buy for the children. Now we only have a couple of little ones, Enoch and Eliza, and the others are becoming adults. Our Erin, soon to be 28, will always receive gifts for her birthday on Dec. 14 and for Christmas. Talyn, our other “once-a-child”, is now 20. Time passes so quickly, but gifts will still be there. The real gift for all of us is family time together.
How you decide to celebrate Christmas and your family exchange gifts, let’s not get carried away and forget the real meaning of Christmas. With all the activity in getting ready, it can easily happen.
One Baby, born ages ago in a stable in Bethlehem, grew up to be One who would go to the cross and die for our sins. It can be a fun time with family and friends, but it is also a time to be serious and to thank God for the wonderful Gift He gave to the world. Read or tell the old, old story to the children.
December 25th falls on Sunday this year. Plan to attend church and worship, for it is a time to give thanks and to feel the awesome Presence of One who is truly in every way the Holy Essence of Christmas.

Retired as Associate News Editor, Bob Ann Breland writes a weekly column for The Daily News. You can email her at bobann70@att.net.