Tick tock, tick tock time is drawing near!

Ok, so Christmas is my favorite time of (day of) the year! My earliest Christmas memory happened in 1977. My little brother, Travis, was born on the 23rd of December that year. YAY! Merry Christmas! I got a brother, however I wanted a sister! I was devastated when the call came to my grandma's house telling me that I had a(nother) little brother. NOOOOOOOOOOOO! I hung up on my dad and immediately ran upstairs and bawled my eyes out! Yes, that was December 23.

My mom had to stay in the hospital for a few days, as she had my brother via a C-Section, so if you do the math, guess where she spent Christmas that year? Yup! The hospital. I don't remember much about THAT but what I do remember......waking up on Christmas morning and opening presents with my other little brother, Chad, and my Dad. I unwrapped the BEST present a little girl could hope for!! I got a real working sewing machine for little girls. I was so excited. That was a time in life when you got one 'big' present and then little odds and ends. THAT was my big present! Guess who didn't get to even try it out because mom was in the hospital (she knew how to use it) and dad didn't have a clue what to do with it. Miserable! I seriously remember not liking my new baby brother for awhile after that because he 'ruined my Christmas'. HAHAHA!!!

 

Christmas has always been a great time of year for me. Traditions that were deep in family. Cookies. Church. One of my favorite things to do was to help my grandma decorate her Christmas tree each year. She had these awesome little bell ornaments that she hung on her tree that looked like little people. Elves and angels or something. There might have only been 5 of them. She always saved those for me to put on the tree. I loved those ornaments. After my grandmother passed away, I asked to have them to keep the tradition alive of putting them on my tree. A little bit of my grandmother (whom I miss terribly, especially at Christmas time) lives on each year as I ring each bell and place it on my tree! One day, I hope to have grandchildren who want to help me decorate my tree and those bells will be saved for them to place!

As a child, Christmas was always a hectic day for my parents. We'd have to visit both sets of grandparents and it seemed like we never had a lot of time at any place, but as a child, it was all we knew of Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the day. Family. Love. One year, the only thing I asked for from Santa was a Cabbage Patch Preemie doll. It wasn't just any Cabbage Patch Preemie on my list. I wanted an African American BOY preemie. My best friend's family had been fostering a little boy who I adored. I wanted a doll that was just like Aaron!! I found out later that my grandfather (who was an old school PA Dutch kind of guy) had traipsed all over Allentown looking for THE doll I wanted and did not settle til he found it, although it ended up being a girl. April Priscilla! Another fond Christmas memory of days gone by. Memories of Christmas that make me smile.

My home is decorated to the nines for Christmas! I've got Christmas trees in almost every room, decorations in every room (YES, even the bathroom gets decorated!), and I love to be surrounded by the beauty of Christmas. White lights on the tree, around the door/archways, on decorations; they are the only light I prefer when sitting around at night watching my Christmas movies!!

Christmas music has been playing at my desk since Thanksgiving. I've been wearing Christmas attire since we are back from Thanksgiving break (and I'm sad there wasn't more time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year!). I'm done with the wrapping, the sending of Christmas cards, stocking stuffers have been purchased (slightly disappointed in them this year), and I'm ready to put work in the books for this year (ONE MORE DAY!)!! The dogs have their Christmas collars and bandanas on! I've been told I suffer from O.C.D (Obsessive Christmas Disorder) and to that I say, YOU ARE NOT WRONG!!! I love all things Christmas and sometimes I struggle when others don't share in my affinity for all things Christmas. In my world, Christmas can get here now!!! Hurry Christmas!!!

In my love for all things Christmas, one image will ALWAYS stand out in my memory bank. As a child, we would drive to the next town to visit my grandparents. A storefront on the main street in the town always had a statue in their front window of Santa kneeling at the manger of the Christ Child. It always struck me as profound (even before I knew what profound meant). There was always something about THAT window display that put the meaning of Christmas where it should be. Yes, Christmas is wonderful with the lights, bells, trees, Santa Claus, gifts, music, movies, TV specials, hoopla out the whazoo, but in reality, Christmas is beautiful for the one gift that was unselfishly given to us, in the form of a baby in a manger. The image of Santa kneeling at the Christ Child's manger is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the TRUE meaning of the season.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the blessings of Christmas be with you this holiday season and in the days that follow, as we usher in a new year, new decade.

Christmastime is here

It's almost Christmas!! It truly is my favorite time of year (and honestly, my favorite DAY of the year!)!!! I love all things Christmas! The lights!! The colors!! Santa!! SNOW!! The Nativity!! The Christmas Story!! Bells!! Tinsel!! Garland!! Angels!! Balls!! Music!! Movies!!

Christmastime is here. It's my favorite time of the year for so many reasons. I've been determined to keep it my favorite time of year, despite the hand we were dealt with in the last 3 months. This year, Christmas will be so different, but rather than become all mopey about it, I am embracing the change. 

It will be the first year that there will be no children in our house on Christmas morning. 29 years of waking up to one (or both) of my girls in their rooms, patiently waiting to go downstairs to see what Mama Claus delivered during the night has come to an end, as I knew it one day would. And as much as I knew it would, I wasn't quite prepared for it. There is a part of me that is sad at this thought (because it has always been my favorite part of the day - waking up and heading downstairs and seeing their faces at what was under the tree!!!) but there is also a part of me that is so proud at how wonderfully their lives have turned out. Each living in their own homes, creating Christmas traditions with their families. It's a new Christmas for me this year, but I'm ok with that!

This year will be different in that we won't get our usual texts from California. Bill won't get his hour(s) long Christmas phone call from Billy. I'm praying for peace in our hearts this Christmas day, as we go about our day keeping his memory alive and remembering him with happy memories of Christmases past, thanking God for the Christmases we HAD with him. Different. A new normal.

December 25 will also mark our 10th anniversary!! 10 years of being married to the most amazing man I've ever known in my life (next to my dad!). Not even joking when I say, it feels like we've been together forever. Bill always says we have. We've been together in many previous lives and somehow we always manage to find each other over and over again. I believe that, weird as it may sound. When I first met Bill DeHart, I had no idea what changes he would bring to my life. I will forever be thankful our paths crossed again and that we managed to become one. There is NO one else I want to go through life with than my main squeeze!

10 years ago, when Bill proposed the idea of getting married on Christmas Day, in my grandmother's living room (where he proposed to me 2 years prior), I thought he was just kidding around. I wasn't so sure I really wanted to get married again. I was content with life as it was. As often as Bill would say we would get married one day, I swore it was 'never gonna happen' for one reason or another (we have quite a history there!). We managed to throw together an incredible wedding in two weeks time and we got married in front of the Christmas tree in my grandmothers front living room at 4pm on December 25, 2009 by the Mayor of Bowmanstown and in front of family and two special friends! It was my last Christmas with my beloved Grandma Marilyn. It was the best Christmas of my life up to that point. Every Christmas since has been exceptional. I love all things Christmas and hope to spread that Christmas cheer to those I encounter on a daily basis!

Life in the last 10 years: we've traveled a lot, watched our daughters graduate high school and college (a few times), supported our son in his life decision to move across the country, saw our daughter get married, another one get engaged, experienced the heartache of losing our son, added two dogs to the family, produced a CD for the band (YAY BILL!! FOLLOW THAT DREAM, MY LOVE!), and simply enjoyed life TOGETHER. 

Bill, life with you is nothing short of amazing. You keep me smiling when I want to frown, laughing when I want to cry. You support all my crazy ideas and love me through thick and thin. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know and I am so blessed that you share that heart with me. Happy 10 years (I know I'm early, but the mood struck for this post so here it is!), Babe!!!!

Wishing everyone who has read this blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Joyous New Year. May 2020 be better than 2019!!!

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

 

Last night, ABC had a wonderful special for the 50th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas being on TV. While some of the music I could have done without, for the most part, it was a heartwarming look into the making of the Christmas special and everyone's beloved 'gang' sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

 

 

In the opening scene, we see Charlie Brown and Linus heading to the skating pond to meet up with the gang for some winter fun. They stop at a brick wall, and the following dialogue takes place:

 

• Charlie Brown: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

• Linus: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.
  

I think we can all relate to Charlie Brown in the beginning of the special at some point. This year, more than any other year, I've found myself feeling quite "Charlie Browniest" when it came to preparing my home from the holiday. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it. I love my home, all decorated for the season. I love my church at Christmas. I love the idea of giving to people. I love the Christmas Story as told in the gospel according to St. Luke.  I just love Christmas.


And more than all of that, I love the A Charlie Brown Christmas special. I love that 50 years ago, Charles Schulz took a HUGE risk and decided to tell it like it is at Christmas, using the scriptures to tell the greatest story ever told.


As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I cannot think of a better or more beloved “true meaning of Christmas” speech than the one that was so eloquently delivered by Linus van Pelt. Take the time to sit back and enjoy this video clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas as you prepare for the Christmas season.

        Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?

        And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch   over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.

          That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.








From Think Thankfully to all of you.....many wishes for a blessed Christmas and a joyous 2016.

Until next time.............

 

Hustle and bustle....and quick fleeting moments.

So, the hustle and bustle of the holidays is coming to a quick close. Last night we met up with our son and his girlfriend for the Christmas exchange! Always a great time with the two of them. They are heading to Maine today for a New Years Eve Wedding of a friend. My Firstborn headed to Long Island yesterday to meet her wonderful boyfriend's family. The youngest's basketball tournament is over (yay for being Tournament Champs two years in a row!!!) and so the long days of sitting in a gym watching basketball has been put on hold (at least until regular season play resumes on January 3!!!). The holiday season (and subsequently vacation time) is coming to a screeching halt right before my eyes.

When I was a little girl, I was always told that as I got older, the time would fly by faster. Never understood it when people said that to me. Heck, isn't a minute a minute and a day a day? Now, NOW I understand. I was so eager to have a nice, nearly two week, break from school to spend time with those I love. I had plans to get a lot done over these days off. Yeah, not so much. Oh, I've enjoyed the time I had with my children, but I see now, how quickly life passes us by. Ferris Bueller was right on the mark when he said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Life is moving pretty fast. The years are passing us by ever so quickly. I have learned to cherish the moments life brings to me, especially ones with my grandma. After losing my other grandma almost 4 years ago, I have often felt as though towards the end of her life, I didn't spend nearly enough time with her. She lived only one block from me and yet, I didn't make it a point to spend the time with her that I should have. Not this time. I have learned to capture all the moments I can with my only living grandparent, my dear sweet Grandma LaRue. I managed to get this gem on Christmas Day.....my beautiful grandma and I. At 85 years young, I know my time with her could be very short lived, although with her spirit and spunk, I have a feeling I'll have her for at least 15 more years!!  She's got things to see, great grandkids to spoil, LIFE TO LIVE!!! She truly makes me appreciate how fleeting our time here is.

Yes, the hustle and bustle of the season is coming to an end.  Hopefully you took some time this holiday season to completely appreciate those in your life. It's not about the gift giving of material possessions, but rather the gift of your time. Don't let the business of the days in your life stop you from reaching out, lending your time, sharing a smile, giving of your heart.

Until tomorrow, my friends....enjoy what's left of the season.......

Think Thankfully!!!!

So why should I worry? Why worry at all? (because I'm a mom, that's why!)

I had a very scary moment as a mom last night. At around 9:00pm, my daughter calls me from Washington DC. Now that, in itself, is not scary. She usually gives me a call at strange times, just to say hello, to let me know how her classes went, to vent about a stressful situation she may be in at work, but NEVER, NEVER in a million years did I expect to hear what I did last night.......

"Hello?"

"Mom? Are you sleeping?"

"No, my throat just hurts."

"Oh, well, I am just calling to let you know, in case you hear this on social media, there is a gunman on campus and it is in lockdown. But don't worry, I'm in my apartment and I'm ok."

Don't worry? You lost me at gunman....you lost me at gunman. Well, guess what, that little piece of advice went right out the window when I heard the word gunman. Stuff like that happens in other places to other families. Gunman on campus. That doesn't happen to those I love. While she remained calm and tells me, "Don't worry", I am a mom, we are prone to that. Especially when our children are hundreds of miles away at school. Heck, I worry when I drop my youngest daughter off at the high school each morning. And in light of the year anniversary of the school massacre at Sandy Hook, the phone call last night, rocked me to my core. When my oldest decided to go to North Carolina to college, it was a worrisome time for me. I feared those phone calls. I watched the news feverishly. I cringed when I heard of a college campus shooting. And when she traveled the friendly skies to all sorts of great places, I worried. I worried from the time she left until the time she was back home. I guess I am a worrier by nature. Don't worry? Ha!

I immediately took to the social media outlets, following the story closely. I did heave a huge sigh of relief when I knew the lockdown was lifted and the 'suspect' was in custody. But I could not stop thinking about the what if's. So close to Christmas and my mind instantly flooded with the heartache and pain that the families of Sandy Hook must have gone through last year. In the blink of a couple eyes, I began to think of all the things my daughter has done in her life, and all she has yet to do. It scared me to think how quickly she could have been a name on a news outlet. I think my youngest daughter said it best when she took to her own social media last night, tweeting: It's scary when something you never thought would happen to someone so close to you actually happens. Yes, babygirl, it sure is.

I apologize for this blog not being very Christmas related today. It is the first day in a long time that I don't feel too moved by the Christmast Spirit. Please do not misunderstand my posting today. I am super thankful that my daughter and everyone else on the campus of American University are safe. I am thankful the school took the precautions it did to ensure the safety of the students. I am exceptionally thankful that the incident turned out to be nothing (or so the media outlets reported). And I am over the top excited that I will still have Sunday to spend with my girls, the oldest's boyfriend, and the rest of my family at the sweetest place on Earth. I am thankful that come Christmas morning, I can celebrate with BOTH my girls.

Until tomorrow, my friends.....don't wait to tell someone how you feel, don't put off hugging you children each day (if you can), and don't ever let an opportunity slip by you without telling your children how loved they are. I know mine will get extra tight hugs on Sunday.

Think Thankfully!!!

These are a few of my favorite things.....

I've had my decorations up for over a week now. At first I was a bit nervous about that. Would I become tired of seeing them? Tired of the lights? Tired of the festive nature of my house so early? As I said earlier, I am very much into the Christmas spirit this year, more than any other year I can remember. I decided to take the time to talk a little about my favorite decorations, because my favorites mean a whole lot to me!

First of all, there is my nativity. I absolutely LOVE my Willow Tree Nativity set. It started as a gift from my daughters and was completed for my by my wonderful husband. When I look at my nativity, I truly think that Willow Tree captures the essence of what Christmas may have looked like. It is quiet, humble, holy.

Another of my favorite decorations came to me from my beloved Grandmother. When I was a little girl, I would always help her decorate her tree. My favorite things to place, ever so carefully, on her tree were her bells. They came in a Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and angels. I always made sure the angels were placed high enough on the tree, in a spot of honor. The bells have always been a favorite of mine. When my grandmother passed, I searched high and low in order to have those bells for my own Christmas tree. This is the third Christmas they adorn my tree. They are placed ever so closely to the hand crocheted snowflakes she made for me when I had a house and tree of my own. I love looking at my tree and seeing glimpses of my past come to me in the form of ornaments.

The last of my favorite decorations sit upon my mantle. A perfect spot for these gems! When I was a very young girl, my other wonderful Grandma had a neighbor whom I loved to visit. I would hop across the porch, cross the neighbor's yard, and go visit Mrs. Bryan. Helen was a wonderful lady who shared with me so much. She told stories and simply loved the inquisitive little girl I was. Helen had a son who was challenged. She had no grandchildren of her own and so she treated me as the granddaughter she never had. I was always given little trinkets and gifts when I visited, but it wasn't until I was a little bit older that she gave me the ornaments. Helen had MADE the ornaments with her mother and grandmother (we assume they are well over 150-175 years old) and she wanted me to have them. Each year, I proudly display My Special Ornaments. They bring a certain old fashioned Christmas into my home.

In taking the time to share these three favorite decorations of mine, I've done more than simply share.....I've reassured myself that there is no way I could ever get tired of the decorations for this holiday season. Perhaps next year, I will decorate even earlier......yeah, probably not! I still think the Turkey needs HIS day!!

Until tomorrow, my friends......may you have certain decorations or traditions that help you remember the Spirit of Christmas, the Wonder of the Season, the Beauty of it all..

Think Thankfully!

BAH! Humbug!

"Bah," said Scrooge, "Humbug!"

"Christmas a humbug, uncle!" said Scrooge's nephew. "You don't mean that, I am sure?"

"I do," said Scrooge. "Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? what reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.”

I think we all remember this particular part of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Whether you enjoy the original from 1938 (starring Gene Lockhart and Reginald Owen) or the 1951 remake (starring Alastair Sim) or the 1984 television version (starring George C Scott - which is my favorite), or finally Disney's version in 2009 (starring the voice talents of Jim Carrey), this particular Christmas story is one everyone has heard, everyone can relate to, and some even refer to themselves as Scrooge around this time of year. 

Have you ever really asked yourself why Ebenezer Scrooge disliked Christmas so much? Most people think Scrooge (or to be Scrooge-like) is all about the money. They think that Scrooge distance people due to his insane love of money. This is not true. When we dig deeper, we realize that.

As a boy, Scrooge was abandoned by his father, who blamed him for the death of his mother (she died giving birth to Ebenezer). At a young age, because his father couldn't stand to have him around for the painful reminders he brought, Ebenezer was sent to an all boy's school. During the Christmas season, while the other children went home to be with family, young Ebenezer was left on his own at school. As he got older he began to crave money, and valued only that. Love was only important if it made financial sense, which in turn cost him his only true love. He even began to look down on "old-Fessiwig" who loved Christmas and celebrated it with all the enthusiasm of a child. Scrooge thought Fessiwig was foolish. He became increasingly consumed with money, and Christmas. The ultimate symbol of "giving" and love, was nothing but foolish time that caused poor people to be happy and grateful for what they had (Ebenezer thought this was stupid because in his mind they had nothing). Christmas became the enemy of everything he thought had any real importance (making money, saving money, greed).

So why do some people in this day and age still feel the need to refer to themselves as Scrooge, or to act like a Scrooge when Christmas rolls around? Some become a Scrooge because they don't HAVE a family. Maybe they are estranged or just too far away to be together. Then there are those people who lost their family due to divorce or death, leaving the holiday to only be a painful reminder of happier times. Maybe they have their own 'Ghosts of Christmas Past' and wish to escape that sadness and loss. Facing the holidays without someone you love can put a painful tug in the stomach and tears in the eyes.

The financial strain of our pitiful economy at this time of year might definitely create many variations of Scrooge during this holiday season. Perhaps Scrooge became tired of all the forced happiness and relentless cheer that accompanies the holiday season and finds it to be insanely commercialized and materialistic, filled with annoying relatives and stress. Maybe even YOU have had your own Scrooge moments when you felt that way.

In the end, Ebenezer is reminded that the true gifts in life, are gifts that money had nothing to do with: time spent with family or those we refer to as family, loving and being loved (remember how hard his nephew Fred tried to show Ebenezer how loved and wanted he was?). 

Until tomorrow, my friends, perhaps you can find a way to give someone in your life who is a little like Ebenezer Scrooge at this time of year some holiday cheer. Share a smile with someone who does not feel the festive spirit as others do? Maybe invite them to go for a ride looking at all the pretty decorations around and perhaps, in turn, you could bring a smile to their faces.

Think Thankfully!!!

I'm not a child, but my heart can still dream.....

One of the Christmas songs playing on the radio during the Christmas season is called My Grown Up Christmas List, sung by Amy Grant. Many say this song grates on their nerves when they hear it. Some will say it is the most overplayed Christmas song on the radio. I happen to think it is a beautiful song, with a profound message. The song isn’t necessarily about HER wants at Christmas time, rather the list in the song is directed towards the world, "a world in need" to quote the lyrics. The most profound part of the song are the following lines:

No more lives torn apart.

That wars would never start.

And time would heal all hearts.

And everyone would have a friend.

And right would always win.

And love would never end.

This is my grown-up Christmas list.

And everyone would have a friend.

Christmas is a time for wishing for good things, a time to ask for things we wouldn’t normally ask for any other time of the year. Children write their lists for Santa and include all the latest toys, electronic devices, and much, much more. But what about adults? Did you write a list for Santa? Did you ask Santa for anything this year?

On Friday, I prompted my students to write letters to Santa and our Elf, Charlie, would deliver them to the big guy. While my students were hard at work (which still amazes me!!!), one little boy came up to me and so seriously asked me, “Ms Allyson, aren’t you writing a letter to Santa? How will you get presents under your tree if you don’t tell him what you want?” I asked that young boy to get me the stationery and I, too, would write my own letter. I found it hard to do. Write a letter to Santa telling him what I want for Christmas. You see, I am an age in life where I really do not want for anything. I have everything I need: healthy, successful children, a loving relationship, my family….these are things Santa can’t really deliver.

I wrote my letter, and it went something like this:

Dear Santa,

My name is Ms. Allyson. I love having Charlie in our classroom

I really don’t know what I want for Christmas this year. I guess if

each of my wee ones get what they want, I will be happy. As you

know, this is my favorite time of year. Thank you for being such a

wonderful man.

Love,

Ms Allyson

The kids asked to share their letters, and so we did. When I read mine, the kids all looked at me and said, “Ms Allyson, that’s not a real Christmas list. Why don’t you ask for a new car?” It was at that moment that the teaching kicked in and I explained that as you grow up, the things you want for Christmas aren’t necessarily things that Santa can bring. I explained that the best gift I could get, would be for each one of them to be happy and content with whatever Santa brings them, but that I hoped they each got at least one thing on their list. Whether they understood the point right there in Room 101 on Friday, I do not know. They are, after all, still wee ones. But I know, in my heart, that one day they will get it. Perhaps it will be when they are old enough to fully appreciate the song, My Grown Up Christmas List.

Until tomorrow, my friends…..may we always remember that we can all wish for things on Christmas, because after all, we have the Spirit of Santa in us, and we have the power to see to it that we have those dreams that will come true!

Think Thankfully!!!  

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus....

Today's blog was inspired by a photo I saw on a friend's Facebook page yesterday. Her granddaughter wasn't so sure about being alone, sitting on Santa's lap. The face was priceless, but what was even more wonderful is, that for years on end, as long as I can remember, the Santa whose lap she was sitting on, was her very own grandfather. My friend captioned the picture to say, "Cali wasn't so sure about Santa by herself. Lol. Some day she will realize who he really is!" It made me chuckle. I almost said out loud, in the voice of Lucy from the Santa Clause movies, "GO FISH YOU ARE SANTA!", (which happens to be one scene that will always make me tear up!)!  I still have to smile when I think about the jolly old St. Nick, himself. Santa Claus! Who doesn't love Santa?! I mean, of course, little ones are usually terrified when they are plopped onto the lap of this stranger, of this big guy in a white beard, white hair, red suit, and jolly HO HO HO. But....when they realize who and what Santa is....it is instant LOVE!

Santa! Remember when you were a child? The anticipation of Christmas was one of the best feelings ever. I remember always going to my maternal grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve for the family celebration followed by Christmas Eve services at church. It was a great way to pass time so that we weren’t clock watching! Oh the anticipation!!! When we would finally get home from church, I can remember my parents would always encourage my brothers and I to go ‘right to sleep’ so that Santa could come, because after all, he only came when we were fast asleep!!!! And much like many children around the world on December 24, I remember never being able to fall asleep that night before Christmas. I'd try my hardest to stay up all night long waiting for Santa Claus, pretending to be asleep when my parents would check in on me. I would sneak out of my bedroom and lay at the top of the stairs, looking down into the living room where our Christmas tree stood proudly, just to check to see if Santa Claus delivered the presents yet. It is all still very amazing to me: as a child, you never seem to catch your parents putting the presents under the tree, but yet, there's some point in the middle of the night when you’d wake up, sneak out, and WOW! there they were. And then I became a parent……

I tried my hardest, as a mom, to instill a love for Christmas in my daughters. We kept some holiday traditions I grew up with and created some of our own. One of my most favorite traditions centered around Santa. Christmas Eve, I would allow my daughters to sleep downstairs on the living room couch, in hopes of ‘catching Santa’. I remember my mom first telling me that this was not a good idea. What if the girls woke up while I was doing my job? What if it ruined Christmas for them because they would realize that there is no Santa? WHAT? No SANTA? Oh, but I challenged, there IS a Santa!!!! Santa Claus is in all of us. We all have the most wonderful power to become Santa. We all have the power to make somebody's holiday. And while the idea of my girls sleeping on the couch on Christmas Eve never ruined their belief in Santa, once they did become too old to really believe, I think I did a great enough job of instilling in them the idea that the SPIRIT OF SANTA CLAUS lives in all of us. My girls are now 16 and 23 and they both still look for gifts under the tree from 'Santa'. They still leave treats for Santa before they go to bed on Christmas Eve. They still become filled with childlike wonder on Christmas morning, when they come down the stairs (they no longer sleep on the couch) and see under the tree. Christmas doesn't have to be a downer just because someone doesn't believe in Santa. It is up to each and every one of us to make sure they believe in the Spirit of Santa Claus.

Aren't the holidays all about giving and sharing love, giving a gift to somebody just because you feel like giving and not expecting anything back? Isn't that what The Spirit of Santa Claus is all about? Santa gives gifts all over the world in some of the least likely of places. All he receives in return is an occasional cookie and a glass of milk (or at our house, ring bologna and beer!), but Santa just gives and gives with no expectation of a return gift. I remember one year, at our family Christmas party, my daughter decided to give Santa a present when he gave her the presents there with her name on them. It was certainly not something Santa expected and I am pretty sure it was something Santa has never forgotten.

This (and every) holiday season, you have a wonderful opportunity to let the Spirit of Santa shine!!!!!! We're almost two weeks away from Christmas and you have the opportunity to bring the Spirit of Santa to all the people in your life. Everyone you see or encounter on a regular basis – show them the Spirit of Santa. You already know what the best holiday gift you can give is: giving the gift of you.

Which brings me to my favorite reminder of the Spirit of Santa Claus…..I post this for you. Read it and never forget! He lives, he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now..... nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. I believe in Santa Claus....I will always believe in Santa Claus!

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. 

[See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Until tomorrow, my friends……let the SPIRIT OF SANTA CLAUS spring from you! You’ll be so happy you did!

Think Thankfully!!!

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.....

Here I sit, at 10:00am on a Saturday morning, already ran to the store to get the ingredients I needed for Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Vegetable Soup for the girls' basketball game today (the perks of working the stand....you must bring something to sell to the masses!), got sick in the store (never fails....), came home and prepared the soup and got it in the crock pot, two loads of laundry done, showered, and suddenly I realized that I have only 17 days to be ready for Christmas. While my house is ready, the Santa part is not. Gifts are sparse and I have no lists to guide me. Oiy vey!

I don't know about the rest of you, but during this time of year, I tend to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, becoming stressed out as I try to make sure I am 100% ready for Christmas. Are we ever really 100% ready for Christmas? Usually, not, but somehow it manages to arrive, everyone seems happy, and life goes on the next day as usual. Sometimes, the simple enjoyments of the season gets lost in the busy days of packed schedules, holiday parties, and Christmas pageants and programs we must attend.

My personal opinion is a simple one: Christmas is about much more than receiving gifts. To me, it's a time to gather with family and spend some quality time together. I am already looking forward, with eager anticipation, at our family Christmas party next Saturday! Over 100 of us, gathered in one spot, wearing our festive outfits, eating, drinking, being merry....all beside some of the best people in the world....MY FAMILY!

Hopefully, the hustle and bustle of the season hasn't gotten you down. Remember, it all works out in the end....just have a little faith!

Until tomorrow, my friends.....in the air there's a feeling of Chrismtas!

Think Thankfully!!!

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store......

I feel a certain sort of sadness for people who work for big retail chains such as WalMart or KMart and even Target at this time of year. Christmas is introduced to the masses earlier and earlier each year that I am convinced we will start seeing Christmas displays right along side of Back to School displays in July. The playing of Christmas tunes begins earlier and earlier, something I am not a big fan of. This year, as I walked in one of those big stores well BEFORE Thanksgiving and saw the Christmas displays along with the hearing of Christmas music, I would often pause and say, "Please just give the Turkey his day!". The workers of these retail stores become burned out of Christmas Spirit because it is all they are subjected to for 8 - 10 hours a day during their work shifts almost immediately after Halloween. I was in the company of someone last Saturday night who worked at one of the above named stores and she said she has no Christmas spirit. No joy for the holiday. She doesn't decorate until right before Christmas day and takes down pretty much as soon as Christmas is over. She is tired of hearing the Christmas songs, tired of seeing all the Christmas baubles, tired of self centered, rude, ignorant customers. Tired of it all. My heart sank into sadness.

Christmas has become such a retail holiday. It ranks right up there with Valentine's Day in my book as far as materialistic holidays are concerned. I feel bad for those people who are unwillingly subjected to the madness by the beginning/middle of November already. I understand that places need to make a profit and the earlier they get their Christmas season underway, the more money lined the pockets become, but for whom? Certainly NOT the employees who are working long hours, dealing with despicable people, and having to hear every imaginable version of White Christmas there is, making the workers feel like being voluntarily run over by a reindeer.

I am not sure how to change this. I am not sure there is a way, but it would be my wish that we could. Why can't we wait til December to start our Christmas displays in stores? Why can't we live by something other than the almighty dollar during the year? I wish I knew how to fix this so that people don't feel so overwhelmed by the onslaught of Christmas before they are even able to enjoy the holiday(s) before it.

Today, I am hoping that the lady I spoke to is able to find her Christmas spirit as the days leading up to the big day start flying by. I will do my best to make my shopping trips short and sweet (I do most of my shopping online! Hate stores at Christmas time for an all together different reason!).

Until tomorrow, my friends.....to quote one of my favorites: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Think Thankfully!!!

Welcome to my Christmas song!

Yesterday, I saw a posting on the good old book of Faces about the song Christmas Shoes. I completely understood what my friend was talking about when she said she can't help but cry when she hears that song and in fact, had been crying at Subway in WalMart on a break, her long sleeve all wet from wiping her eyes. While I understood her feelings, I couldn't help but smile because I knew she inspired yet another Think Thankfully blog: Christmas music!!!!

Yes, it’s that time of the year when satellite/radio stations play nothing but Christmas music, 24-7, from Thanksgiving til December 26/31 depending in which one you are tuned into. If you are a Sirius XM subscriber there are 7, yes you read that right.....7, stations devoted to nothing but holiday music: Holiday Traditions (Channel 4), Holly (Channel 17), Holiday Pops (Channel 75), Country Christmas (Channel 58), Navidad (SiriusXM channel 756), Holiday Soul (Channel 49), and Radio Hanukkah (Channel 111). You are sure to hear Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Alabama, and a whole host of other artists performing your most (and least) favorite holiday tunes over and over again. Is there such a thing as too much holiday music? I'm not sure the answer is as easy as yes or no. This particular season, I enjoy my Christmas music, both popular and secular. I enjoy good old fashioned Christmas hymns and carols as well as the more popular ditties. But on the flip side of that, I get tired of the same rotation of songs, the same sung out versions, and by the time the holiday is over, if I hear about Dominic the Donkey or that All I Want For Christmas Is You one more time........

I am so thankful that I was raised with many Christmas traditions. I am thankful I was raised in the church where I was first introduced to my traditional Christmas favorites. I am thankful I was given every opportunity to watch Christmas specials as a child where I was introduced to a plethora of  popular Christmas tunes. And through all that, I am most thankful that Christmas songs go beyond Rudolph, Frosty, Santa, and hippopotamusses! My favorites, you ask? 

 1. Oh Holy Night (either Martina McBride or Josh Groban's versions)

 2. Angels from the Realms of Glory

 3. Silent Night

 4. Breath of Heaven (Vince Gill/Amy Grant duet)

 5. Thistlehair the Christmas Bear (Alabama)

 6. Alfie the Christmas Tree (John Denver and the Muppets)

 7. Santa Claus is Coming To Town (Springsteen version....ONLY!)

 8. Joy To The World

 9. Believe (Josh Groban)

10. Lucy and Linus

While my list is limited to 10, I could easily list 10 more that I enjoy listening to! This is my most favorite time of year, after all! From Thanksgiving until the end of February, I really do love all things winter!

What are your favorite songs to hear at this time of year? Do you have a favorite that sparks a memory, creates a smile, makes Christmas feel like Christmas in your world?

Until tomorrow, my friends......11. STEP INTO CHRISTMAS!

Think Thankfully!!!!

Season's Greetings! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

As much as I love Christmas and all things 'Christmassy' (I think I may have created another new word again!), this time of year can boggle my mind. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Season's Greetings! You hear them all during this time of year. Does one offend you more than others? Do you cringe when you hear one of the sayings more than you hear another? May I ask you why? 

It really makes me sad that some people get mad that someone says Season's Greetings or continues with the phrase Happy Holidays rather than saying Merry Christmas. If someone is taking time out of their day to offer you a greeting of any sort, isn't it best to acknowledge and accept the greeting than to be upset that the greeting wasn't up to YOUR holiday liking? During this time of year there are a handful of holidays being celebrated.....Christmas (being the most well know), Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Chinese New Year, New Year, and probably even more I am unaware of. People get upset if a cashier at a store says Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings, but isn't that the safe way to do it because to those who might not celebrate Christmas due to their religion or other beliefs, this is a welcome greeting. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, prior to popular belief on the subject. And quite honestly, the Christian reason for Christmas is NOT the Christmas we know of today. I sincerely doubt that Jesus Christ would condone the materialistic holiday that Christmas has become. I will say this....I would much rather see Hapiy Holidays! or Season's Greetings! than Merry XMas. That truly and honestly grates my nerves and makes me want to hurt people! Sorry! Just keeping it real, folks!

Some call it “the holidays” in attempts not to offend, while others are considerably offended by the leaving out of Christ in the holiday. I find it all to be a bit self righteous of people to think that THEIR religion or holiday is the only one celebrated at this time of year. By that I mean, what is the reason for the season? The reason is likely different for many different people. Obviously, most of the holidays this time of year are heaped in religious and cultural traditions. In MY world, I celebrate a Merry Christmas. MY holidays are heaped with the Christian premise for what we are celebrating. In MY world, I prefer to say Merry Christmas, but I am not offended if you do not. We are free to believe what we want and should not be offended when others don't share our beliefs. 

Rather than get ourselves all in a tizzy over linguistics, maybe it’s more important to zero in on the reason for the season. And that reason is different for different religions and various cultures; but no matter the reasons, it mostly boils down to sacrifice, reflection, community, family, and love. Nowhere in that list does the season include bickering with one another on holiday terminology, or making sure to get everyone everything on their almighty lists. What you do and what you call it is your prerogative and it’s not for me (or anyone else, really) to judge. What I will say, however, is that MY reason for the season is simply put; the people I love, a simple reminder that there is a lot to be thankful for in our lives, and the birth of a helpless little baby, in a manger, in a stable, in Bethlehem.

Until tomorrow, my friends......

Think Thankfully!!!

Christmastime is here....

Back to school today! Only 14 days until Christmas break.....and honestly I am NOT counting. I enjoy my classroom and the wee ones! These days leading up to Christmas will certainly go by quite quickly, I am sure. There is a lot to be done, a lot to plan for, I'm super excited!

Last night, I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has always been my favorite of the holiday specials on TV. Once I see this one, it always feels like Christmas is finally here. This year is just so different. I am not quite sure why or what has caused this, but to be sitting in my beautifully decorated home, on December 3, my heart is filled with the Christmas spirit and I didn't need a Christmas special to do that for me!

Many people see Christmas as a time for stress and headaches. I used to think that way. Sure, times are tough, money is tight, and I worry what Christmas will look like for my family this year, but somehow, I am able to put my faith and trust in the Lord that he will provide what I need to make this Christmas just like every year. My girls are not greedy. They do not want for anything. I've asked and asked for lists, but they each say, "There is nothing I really want or need." This makes my heart happy. When I hear of others spending outrageous amounts of money on the latest gaming systems, toys, boots, gifts etc, it saddens me. Children will grow up expecting the best of all material things in their lives, rather than be happy with the little things.

Today, I am thankful that I understand the true meaning of the line from the Grinch: He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!

Until tomorrow....

Think Thankfully!!!

Tis the season to be jolly!!!!!

Fa La La La La La La La La! 

I cannot remember the last time I was in such a holiday mood so early! It is the first time I can EVER remember that I have my Christmas decorations up already! December 2! I've been singing the holiday tunes, humming them when I am in my little world. I've put all the specials I want to watch into my calendar so I don't miss them! Yeah, it is safe to say I've been bitten, early, by the Christmas spirit! And I am not complaining!

I had every intention of writing this up and posting it earlier today, however, I started decorating, finishing up my bulletin board for school, making dinner, etc etc etc and before I knew it, the clock was striking 7! WOW!

Hopefully this finds you in the holiday spirit early! 

Tis the season to be jolly!!!!!!

Until tomorrow....

Think Thankfully!!!!