Christmas Spirit

 

This past week, I was reminded of what Christmas is all about.

 

I spent most of the month worrying that I didn't get enough for my family but when it came down to it, I did. What I mean is that I was afraid that someone would be offended or hurt by only getting a gift or two. I really wasn't thinking of the commercial part of the holiday. How you never feel like you spent enough?

 

After careful consideration and just 250 dollars to spend this holiday season between 11 people, that averages out to mere a 20 dollars or so, regardless of the price on the package, it was wrapped in my love and it represented more to me than they know. I visualize Christmas these days and it’s sad that the first thing that comes to mind is gifts. Granted, it’s always nice to receive but it most certainly is better to give.

 

Every Christmas eve, I go through the evening being overcome with many different emotions. I reflect on the last year and think of those in my life who have passed and those that have aged dramatically. My life is passing by me with every passing December and I stop to wonder where and why they are going by so fast.

 

The one that has rings true through every passing year is the fact that the Christmas spirit is still intact in me. What I mean is, as a child it rang through with the belief that Santa Claus would soon be visiting my house; it gave certain magic to the season. After that, it went through the commercial years where it was all about decorating and for a few short years, the perfection of having that storybook Christmas. Now though, it is about Jesus Christ, and the birth of a child who was born.

 

Sadly, the world is all about what you are going to get for gifts for those closest to you. When in essence it should be celebrating the lives of the people who are invested and a part of ours. I for one enjoy Christmas, for the camaraderie, the time spent with family members you do not regularly see throughout the year. It is just nice to see smiling faces even when there are no presents to give.

 

This year I saw the magic again!

 

My uncle, his wife and child were here and they had no gifts to share. They came in all nervous and worried that someone would be mad. We didn't get mad; we were able to provide a few gifts to put a smile on their faces and I believe that is where the true feelings and spirit of Christmas come from.

 

Being aware and appreciative of every opportunity we have to put smiles the faces of our loved ones. I would honestly be okay with being able to provide a dinner to those who do not get to celebrate Christmas. Each year, I donate my time to places that need help, like the Salvation Army with Christmas help. It might only be serving coffee and doughnuts, but at least they can see we care. I also enjoy going to the hospital Christmas evening and handing out hand drawn cards to show I care and am sorry that they are in there during the holiday season.

 

God has given us the most treasured gift of all, his own Son; who later laid down His life for us. Each day, we should ration through both the good and bad happenings of our days and remember what God and Jesus have done. We should look to the sky and thank him for the most wonderful gift of all - Life! 

 

Emotional Ties

 

So many people go through life, meeting people and leaving them. To me, that is a crying shame.

 

I pride myself on the fact that through every person I have came in contact with, I have kept as a friend, at least in my mind. I never leave a stone unturned. What I mean if I was with them as a friend or a lover, I remain a friend even through breakups and the fights that we all go through because of indifferences in each of our lives.

 

I see so many people break up with someone and then hate that person. For me, I cannot realize nor fathom not ever talking to someone whom I loved at one time. I mean, what a waste of time, and much more than that losing something that meant so much to you. People think of here and now, but what about the past? I believe that it essentially creates the person you look into the mirror and see each day. Through each personal relationship and situation in our lives, I believe that it creates a new trait and unique characteristic in who we are today.

 

My emotional ties in this life are strong, with each of my friends I have more than a friendship with them. I have a love for them and I believe that they to love me. It's strange to say and something I find enduring in myself.

 

A lot of people probably believe this to make me vulnerable and weak but I believe it makes me stronger in knowing that I am the type of person who forgives and forgets and never holds a grudge.

 

We all value life and I believe I value mine more than others to a degree. I now look at the heart of a person, rather than what they look like.

 

I still remember a day when I looked at the outside. I met this person who was overly large in appearance and felt sorry for them; but amazingly in that same moment, when I went to say something to a friend, I stopped and walked up to that person and took the time to get to know them and found a best friend in them and one that I treasure more than most.

 

It is strange how society has taught at us to look at the beauty on the outside; but the mere fact of the matter, is we should be looking at the person from within. They often have a lot to give if you open up your heart to see what they possess.

 

Challenge yourself everyday to stop and get to know someone different. Accept that we are all different and regardless of them appearing different or strange in our book. They could have the makings of a beautiful heart and a beautiful friend.

 

In fact, I have kinda given up on finding Mr right. The way I feel right now is that, as long as I have my friends I do not need anything else. The emotional ties I have with each one of them are extra special. I mean I can sit in a room with them, totally alone just the two of us, and not have to say a word, have more fun than I could if we had an audience and a group of 12.

 

Friendship is when you can look at a person, feel totally comfortable and not need to be given gifts to show your love but rather a touch of a hand or maybe just a great big hug. Friendship heals hearts and creates emotional ties that will last for eternity.