Livin' and Lovin' in A-town

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

At the risk of sounding cliché, I want to take a moment to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If I wanted to be politically correct, I’d say Happy Holidays, but most of you know that I don’t stress out about being politically correct.

For some, this time of year is joyous, exciting, and heart-warming. It brings laughter and love. It’s a time for sharing, giving, receiving, spending time with loved ones, and taking part in traditions steeped with fond memories. To others, it’s a difficult time of being without those who were loved and are missed. To some, it’s a reminder of how little they have while others realize how very blessed they are.

Through the constant political battles of whether it should say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas,” through the debates of whether or not Santa is real, through the opinions on whether or not we should have Bible class on Christmas morning, I encourage you to find your meaning of Christmas. What does this holiday season mean to you?

I choose to look at this time of year as a gift. It’s an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. A time when the majority of the world has a sense of warmth and peace. I look at the symbols of Christmas. Santa, candy canes, stockings, bells, Christmas trees, etc. I find good in all of those and am thankful that I was raised in a family who took part, whole-heartedly, in this holiday we call Christmas. Around this season we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but I was fortunate enough to be brought up in a family who celebrates his birth everyday, not just once a year.

I pray blessings on you during this holiday season and the days to come. May God watch over you and guide you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!