Holiday Musings

When my girls were little, I loved Christmas. We established some wonderful traditions. Every year was a struggle financially, but we... no, God... made things happen. I must say nothing was ever hidden from these girls. As a result, we have always been a very tight family unit. And so the Scripture that says "you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done" (Genesis 50:20) comes to life.

Traditions

• Go somewhere out in the country, must not be close to home, and cut a Christmas tree. Usually done the Thanksgiving weekend or the first weekend of December. What an adventure!
• Decorate the house... this included a small artificial tree in every room. The girls still have their little trees.
• First Saturday in December, go to New Market for "Christmas in New Market". This was an old time celebration that this little town did every year... people in period costumes, strolling musicians, choirs singing Christmas carols, antique stores. There was a small room that was "the" town hall, where used books (donated by folks) were sold, and free Christmas cookies and warm apple cider were offered. There was also the old barn that was an antique shop, where a little kid named Clark sold his goods for 25 cents... oh the many things we bought from Clark!
• Bake Christmas cookies and sweet breads to give away.
• Most years Grammy came to spend the holidays with us.
• When we baked cookies, we set aside and decorated a very special cookie for Jesus. We put in on a plate at a spot at the dinner table. On Christmas morning, before opening gifts, John led us in prayer and we acknowledged that all good gifts come from God. We then had "communion" with that cookie. The first year we couldn't figure out what to do with the remainder of the cookie. Lisa decided that we should "offer it as a burnt offering". So we would throw the remainder into the fire and that signaled the beginning of gift opening.
• Christmas Eve: Set a fancy table, dress up and go to Christmas Eve service. Then come home have dinner, which consisted of shrimp scampi, rice and Brussels Sprouts San Mateo (Sandie's favorite). Each plate would have a small gift that we would open before eating.
• Christmas Morning: Wait for Daddy to build a fire while Mama made Sticky Buns. Wait for Daddy to set up the camera and take pictures of the girls coming down the stairs into the family room. After presents, visit Nana and Pop-Pop.
• As the girls got older, the day after Christmas became their "sisters day"... shopping the sales with the gift cards they received

Acknowledgements and appreciation

• My thanks to Emily Dykstra for her wonderful writings and insights the past few weeks. Emily, you need to write a book, or a column, or something. What a gift you have!
• To Sandie and Lisa for reminding me of what Christmas is all about constantly, and for their cheerful spirit despite circumstances.
• John and Brian... A mother couldn't hope for better men for her daughters. Thank you for the love and respect that you show my girls, and for your commitment to your relationship with them.
• Demitri, my little man. Granma loves you buddy!
• Elizabeth, Adrienne and Matt, my "other" children. You each know what you mean to me and your very special place in my life.
• Jeff Wise, who will probably never read this blog 'cause he's just not a computer guy. You are such a good friend to my hubby! (somebody tell him!)
• My sister-in-law and great friend, Cathy. You're such a good listener and encourage me more than you realize.
• Yvonne... always, always cheerful and encouraging.
• My husband, without whom life as I know it would end. You are my best friend, my encourager, you keep me in check. Truly "I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to all that I can be."

Encouragement
The Hope of Christmas by Joe Stowell
This truly spoke to my heart today. I encourage you to read it.

So as I face this day with an endless "to do" list and a mind that won't stop thinking about the circumstances surrounding me and the people in my life, I commit my day and thoughts to God. Still the raging storm in me Lord, and use my day to honor you and do your will. And I can certainly say once again...

Merry Christmas to all.