Past the overdose of mandarin oranges and sugar-plum dreams, children will create memories this Christmas that will accompany them through life.
In the schools the children are busy with crafts, carols and cleaning desks. They’re lacing skates, losing mitts and counting sleeps until Christmas.
Parents are finding skates, knitting mitts and losing sleep this time of year. There’s cooking, cleaning and credit charges to contend with.
Sometimes amid the bustle of buying gifts and rushing to the traditional gathering places of families, the magic and meaning of the occasion becomes lost.
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The newspapers and radio stations bombard people with mixed messages this time of year: peace in Bosnia and fighting in other areas of the world; retail stores happy and banks warning of overspending; grocery store specials and food bank shortages; Christmas anticipation and post-Christmas depression.
Beyond the commercialism there still somewhere survives the actual caring for the poor, the unfortunate, the neighbor down the road or in another country.
There are traditions followed and stories retold, strengthening ties between generations and building pride in cultural heritage.
In the often cold country churches there’s new warmth from spiritual rekindling and understanding, and renewed community togetherness.
Hidden somewhere among the giftwrap is the expectation and gratitude of a child who often would be satisfied with less toys but more attention and love expressed on this occasion and throughout the year.
Think about what memories will be created this year for your family: Will it be the gifts, the food, exchanged hugs? Children’s laughter while skating on a frozen pond? Love of family and friends? Christmas carols? Midnight mass?
Have a safe and merry Christmas season and best wishes for the new year.
