Colorful Christmas Lights

“The lights that glitter on the tree tell us Jesus came to be a light for us, and so we say, This Christmastime and every day, light our path dear Lord we pray.”

                                                                                                                                                                Sally-Lloyd Jones

“I don’t think those big colorful bulbs are going to look the way you want them to.” “Of course, they will!” I said to Chuck as I kept stringing the big bulbs on the tree.

When finished, I stood back to admire my work. My eyes squinted, and my forehead wrinkled as I spoke out loud, “Those don’t look the way I wanted them to.” I could see Chuck shaking his head in the kitchen.

Off came the big bulbs, and on went the mini clear twinkle lights. Once I had finished for yet a second time, Eva had a questioning look on her face. She was hoping for the colorful bulbs to be on the tree. I told her “NO” soundly. I explained that the colorful bulbs didn’t go with anything around the house. I let her know that I had designated the upstairs family room for multi-colored lights. Chuck looked at me with a questioning look and then quietly said, “You know Christmas lights are for kids, not you.”

Colorful Christmas lights captivate children. They leave them captured in a spell of magic and wonder that only comes once a year. It’s as if “real” is forgotten in the twinkling of an eye.

Going south for Christmas was a treat when I was a little girl because my grandparents used colored Christmas lights. I remember being at my Grandaddy’s for Christmas and sleeping in the living room, waiting for Santa to leave his gifts. Before drifting off to sleep, I could see the colors dance on the tree. It was the same at my grandma and grandpa’s. The colors sparkling from the tree made Christmas come alive.

It was easier to see my grandparents more often when our family moved South. Before establishing new family gathering traditions, mom and I drove over to see my Grandaddy right before Christmas one year.

When we walked into his house, there was not a spark of Christmas anywhere. He had lived alone for many years, and it was hard for him to do such things. But mother saw that as no excuse for the absence of Christmas in the place. She whispered, “Sis, let’s go. We are going to get some decorations for Christmas.” We set out for the nearest store to purchase a little tree, ornaments, and other decorations. We bought garland for the mantle and, of course, colorful Christmas lights. We were pretty satisfied with ourselves when finished. Christmas had arrived.

That was over twenty years ago. The Christmas decorations have mounded over the years as the family brought more delightful ornate objects each year.

It became the new tradition to set up Christmas upon arrival at Grandaddy’s. The tree and decorations would go up, looking, perhaps, a tad tackier than the year before. Even still, it became endearing to us. Everything would be stored away when Christmas was over, awaiting the most wonderful time of year again.

There were years we could not all be together. With growing families, other obligations would keep us away. Still, there was never a year we each were not pulled together, albeit in spirit, by the twinkling of colorful lights and the gentle tug of family at Christmas time.

This year, our Grandaddy got a change of address; it will mark the first time the Christmas tree will not be sitting on the end table at his house. The tree would have fit perfectly in the give-away pile. Except, letting it go would have meant letting go of the sentimental value that was attached to it as well. Instead, it has made its way to my home; shining childlike ornaments and colorful Christmas lights from its branches.

As for the tree downstairs, well, off came clear lights, and the stringing of colorful lights began. I smiled when done. Somehow, it seemed fitting this year more than others.

I hope my girls will remember Christmas with fondness, that the memories will be abounding, and cherished sentiments will have no price tag.

So, here’s to all the Christmas’ past and present; to the child in all of us. From our family to yours, we wish you a colorful MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Welcome Home

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star rising in the east, and we have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

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