Our parents became ill over the Thanksgiving holiday and died before Christmas. Their deaths were years apart with mother going on to heaven before daddy. It can be a sad time of year if we chose to think of our losses instead of what we gained by having them as our parents. Besides, they were the ones to teach us the true meaning of the season. Traditions must be passed on to the generations after us. Establishing new ones have been exciting, fun and embraced by our family.
News came today from Florida about the passing of our mother's oldest sister. Aunt Mable lived to the age of 88 and had a sharp mind. She died of natural causes. I shared with her daughter, our first cousin, that we should all be so blessed with the longevity she enjoyed. The scripture tells us, "to live is Christ and to die is gain."
The scriptures record that gifts were brought to baby Jesus. Gift giving is a special commemorative gesture at Christmastime. There is so much commercialization, however, by retailers to consumers at this time of year. I have been unable to accept this therefore I have not acquiesced to their marketing ploys. My loved ones are shown how special they are throughout the year; not just on special occasions.
Of course I participate in gift-giving at Christmas but what I enjoy most is being with family; reminiscing, making new memories and feeling the love we share. Two people who meant more to us than anyone else in this world left a legacy of love; the love and fear of God, love for mankind and country. Because of this legacy, Christmas has a special meaning. When we sing carols, play games, have our gift exchange and sit down to dinner, each of us experience the presence of our parents in everything that takes place.
Not all families will be together on Christmas day. Every child will not receive a present at Christmas. We could never compete with the greatest gift ever given but each of us can do our part. We can know we have contributed to the happiness of someone on this special birthday. Here are some ideas:
12 Days of Christmas Ideas
1st Day - Donate toys to the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots Program in your community.
2nd Day - Send a Care Package to a soldier or student.
3rd Day - Go caroling at Assisted Living Homes.
4th Day - Take blankets, quilts, coats, socks, gloves etc. to homeless shelters.
5th Day - Show random acts of kindness to the homeless who are on the streets.
6th Day - Invite co-workers or students whose families are out of the area to your family's Christmas dinner.
7th Day - Attend a church service, especially if you haven't done so in a long time.
8th Day - Visit Pediatrics, Oncology, and Surgical floors of your local hospital(s).
9th Day - Order a Christmas dinner from a restaurant and deliver it to a needy family.
10th Day - Make a donation to a charity such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
11th Day - Deliver food and other nonperishable items to your local food bank(s).
12th Day - Send a Christmas card to someone saying they're forgiven or seeking their forgiveness.
Have a Merry Christmas and remember to pray for Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men!
© Copyright 2006 by Avis Ward |
