I've rehung the Christmas lights on the window. The first set was "eaten" by the cat. Well, she didn't actually eat it, she just chewed the plug end of the cord off so they couldn't be used. Our little, tiny Christmas tree is lit and decorated. We keep having to shoo away the cat who is bound and determined to get that lighted star one of the these days. I've placed the angel that used to top my Mother's tree in front of our little tree. She proudly stands holding out her lighted candles. I remember going with my Dad to buy that angel when the old star we used to have finally gave up on us. We've had this angel for at least 25 years now. I hope she'll stay lit forever.
I love Christmas. It's no surprise to those around me to hear that. I love this season more than any other. There is some magic in those twinkling lights, ours and those shining in the windows of our neighbors and people we don't know. They send a warm, hopeful glow out into the cold, dark winter night. They actually change a season. I don't know of any other event throughout the year that has that power.
I know, for some, the holiday season is very hard. There are lost and lonely people out there and also those who feel lost and lonely because they cannot see the warmth that exists around them. I've seen how a smile, a small candy cane and a "Happy Holidays!" can work miracles by showing people that, for even just that one moment, someone does care. I've seen incredible acts of graciousness and kindness. People can really be unselfish sometimes and it's always a wonder to see. This is why I love Christmas.
On a more personal note, I love giving gifts. Don't get me wrong! I love getting them too but giving them gives me a whole different feeling. I love taking time to try to figure out what each person in my life would love to have. I don't think of it in practical terms. We can all use warm gloves, and socks, and whatnot but we can all get those at another time. I love giving the gift of fun! I want people to remember the joy they felt at Christmas when they were little. Sometimes that means giving them something just for the fun of it - toys, games, art stuff, whatever it is! Giving someone a good memory to hold onto is a very good thing!
So, tonight, as the frigid deadly cold of Wisconsin is warmed just a little bit by the glow of my holiday lights, I'm enjoying a lovely cup of hot tea, remembering my Dad as the angel blinks, and hoping that everyone, everywhere is warm and loved and happy. If even for a moment.
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