It’s almost Christmas and Sunday night at church several members shared their favorite holiday memories. We had a great dinner, wonderful fellowship and, as always, terrific music. All the Christmas stories were touching and I started thinking back on my own memorable holidays. It’s hard for me not to get teary eyed when I look back over the years, especially when you realize how much has changed.

My greatest joy is watching my kids run in to see all their Santa gifts. Two years ago, my son wanted a go cart. I was so hesitant to buy one, fearing a horrible wreck or something. My husband finally convinced me, considering I have the most mature and responsible son around.(wink, wink) We obviously couldn’t fit this thing in the house, so we set up everyone’s gifts near the tree and back door/porch. We put the go cart on the back porch, but closed the curtains so he didn’t see it. Instead he finds a few smaller toys, books and a helmet. The poor kid, he’s such a good sport! Sarah and Olivia had these huge toys and Deacon is riding all over the living room in his new fire truck and Matthew just smiles and looks through his small presents, trying to act excited.

We let this go on for a few minutes, then my husband says, “Hey Matthew, what is that on the porch?” He seems confused, but opens the curtain to see the go cart he wanted waiting outside for him. He was so shocked and excited he didn’t even bother grabbing shoes or a coat before he ran outside to try it! I still remember that smile on his face that stretched from ear to ear. He spent the rest of the day giving rides to his siblings and cousin, and being chased by the dog!

As a kid, we always went to both of my grandparents homes Christmas Eve. Now, as an adult, I realize how completely draining that was on my parents! We tried that Matthew’s first Christmas when he was 3 months old. By the time we reached our last stop, my mother-in-law’s, he was so cranky and exhausted that we vowed never again to make Christmas Eve anything other than a Christ focused, family evening with no travel! Since then, we have enjoyed a meal at our home with whatever family wants to attend and an early evening church service. We read the Bible story of Jesus’ birth and hit the bed, ready for a crazy day of gifts and family  on Christmas Day.

It’s been almost 4 years now that my baby brother has been gone. I don’t think any holiday has been the same since, at least not for my parents and I. I remember opening gifts with him and every time we opened socks, we would look at each other like, “Seriously?!”, toss them behind us and move on. He was so proud one year, he was probably 8 or 9, when he bought me this lavender, Atlanta Falcons sweatshirt. I am not a huge football fan, and I couldn’t tell you anything about the Atlanta Falcons, but I loved that shirt! We were living in New Mexico, the rest of my family was in South Carolina, and I was miserably homesick. I guess when he went to the store he thought Atlanta was the closest thing he could find to home and he bought it. He even wrapped it himself. To me, it was the sweetest gesture in the world. I wish I could say I still had it, but sadly I don’t. Too many years and too many moves later it is gone.

This year, I wish I could say I had decorated the house top to bottom and had an amazing dinner planned. I don’t. The kids decorated the tree all by themselves, and it looks perfect. We put out some of our favorite decorations, but not much else. Christmas Eve will be surprisingly low key this time, and we will see a few family members Christmas Day. I’m looking forward to the candlelight service on Thursday, and seeing my little angels smile at their gifts Christmas Day.

To all of my readers, Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful and meaningful Christmas filled with family, friends, and beautiful memories. Always remember the real meaning for the season and cherish every second you have with those you love! God bless!

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