It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year

There is just something majestically wonderful about this time of year. It comes with such splendor that no one can deny Christmas is upon us. Oh, there are scrooges and bah-humbugs out there, but overall, most people enter into the Holiday season with joy in their heart and a spring in their step.

My mother, being one of these holly-jolly celebrators, suggested my sister and I should take the kids and head off shopping for some early yule tide enjoyment together. Brittney just stared at my mother and then proceeded to say, “Mother, I do not have enough time or crayons to explain to you why that will not work.” Last time Brittney and I tried to take the kids shopping, a jar of jelly made its way to the cement floor. My sister leaned in and whispered, “Should we just back away slowly and exit the isle?” Later we found Ben climbing up the employee work ladder and somehow, I was nominated to climb the ladder and peel him off. After that venture we decided to keep the shopping trips to a minimum with the kids until they reached an appropriate age, that has still yet to be determined. Eva Jewel, however, thinks shopping trips with Ben are the best thing in the world!

In the Howard household, Christmas begins on November 27^th. I waste no time. I love Thanksgiving and I make sure it has its rightful place, but then, as soon as the turkey has been put in the fridge, the boxes come down from the attic and Christmas is unpacked all over the house. I then spend the next week turning our home into a winter wonderland. I probably go overboard and do more than is necessary, but White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and The Santa Claus, are better enjoyed in the right environment.

Eva loves to help me decorate. Our Christmas tree used to look like something out of a magazine until Eva came along. Now it looks exactly like a four-year-old decorated it. Secretly, I like it better –The power of finding beauty in the humblest of things makes home happy and life lovely- Louisa May Alcott. Children make Christmas come alive. Their eyes light up with wonder at all the season’s traditions and festivities.

Last year, we were doing some grocery shopping before heading home and Santa Claus, who had been at a local school that day visiting all the kids, was doing some last-minute grocery shopping, as well, before heading home. I spotted him first and then watched as Eva’s eyes danced with magic! Several other little kids spotted him too. The supermarket transformed into an instant North Pole setting as this man took the time to entertain the glisten in these children’s eyes. He listened to their Christmas wishes as if he were listening to unforgettable intel. Those children walked away feeling extra special that evening, Eva Jewel being one of them.

Christmas may not be about the commercial character of Santa Claus, but what History has recorded of him, stood out to me as I watched the spirit of giving shine forth in a selfless act from Santa Claus. He took the time to care about someone other than his own grocery shopping needs. Although, as the years go by, most of those children will not remember meeting Santa Claus in the grocery store, but the parents will.

In the remake of the movie Miracle on 34^th Street. Kris Kringle makes this statement, “I’m not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor; I’m a symbol. I’m a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major parts of our lives. If you can’t believe, if you can’t accept anything on faith, then you’re doomed to a life dominated by doubt.” It was the parents affected the most by this simple act of kindness. It restored a bit of faith in mankind for each of us who witnessed it.

My mother gave me her first Santa Claus that she ever purchased, many years ago; it is from 1989. He has been wrapped and unwrapped, carefully, for 31 years. Each year I have to hot-glue his Christmas tree and musical horn back into his hands. I also have to fix his well-worn beard on his face, but every time I do, I think back fondly over the years that this symbol has graced our home; years dominated by faith, not doubt. Years that have brought growth pains and joyful remembrances, but most of all, years that have brought us cherished memories.

Without the dedication and time put in to moments, the moment will disappear and be forgotten forever. I guess, I come by it honestly. My mother is one of those precious souls who always took the time to package up keepsakes and write on ornaments, so that, no matter how many years past, I would always know where that memory was from; this is a forgotten art. Don’t be fooled, memories can perish if not preserved.

This Christmas restore faith in the season, let kindness echo from your heart and memories dance from your eyes. Let Christmas become magical again because it truly is the most wonderful time of year.

Welcome Home

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79

If you are enjoying these posts please subscribe below and tell a friend!