“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” ~ Eric Sevareid
My young grandchildren are so excited about the arrival of Christmas. You can just feel the joy, high expectations, and anticipation. It’s a time that is really all about the kids. So here is a not so Christmasy (is that a word, it should be) song that Robin Hilt sang last week:
Two of my grandchildren will be visiting today. I plan to tease them both about the holiday. My children love Christmas for the traditions and signs of the season, such as making snowmen or bringing home a tree, and of course the Christmas ritual of opening gifts. From the anticipation of what will await them on Christmas morning to the excitement of leaving hot cocoa out for Santa, whether it is the material aspect or just the thrill of opening up colorfully wrapped boxes, there are many reasons we have come to love this holiday season.
The benefit I luv about giving Christmas gifts to children is that it stimulates their imagination. Our kids and grandkids look so forward to receiving gifts that for weeks leading up to the big day that they make lists of things they want weeks or months in advance. And the art of writing a compelling letter to Santa should not be overlooked.
I have found that the idea of what they might receive on Christmas morning is more exciting than actually opening presents. This boost in imagination is a positive connection that my children will always make with the holiday. I chuckle at the Facebook posts where young wives write breathlessly about their husband squirreled away in the den with the sound of wrapping paper to help build up the excitement.
So I don’t ask for forgiveness about how exciting the Christmas holiday is to so many. I just enjoy the sublime pleasure of being allowed to give gifts, watch them being opened, and seeing the joy in the recipent’s eyes. God Bless the Child indeed.
The Bis Key Chronicles 