TODAY THE WORDS are JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS

A former classmate of mine in her Christmas attire, Clara Knight enjoying the Season.

TODAY THE WORDS are JINGLE JINGLE.  As the Christmas holiday is nearing, I have noticed a change in the atmosphere in a lot of people. I hear a recount of what there is to do and I agree there is always a lot to do around this time of year, especially for those of us still working or the families with small children or grandchildren.

I would like to share a lesson learned from getting older and hopefully wiser. All of the hoop de la is not the real reason for Christmas. I have had my share of trying to find the right present only to see what I call “the look” when the person opened it. It used to be such a hassle to please everyone; if that is even possible. I have spent years of baking, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, planning, only to find out not everyone likes everything I cook, bake, or buy. I made myself miserable to make the very dish I thought would be the best; the dish they would be talking about forever……..trust me I made myself miserable. I have looked back at the pictures and have seen how tired I looked. For me, I was giving of myself to others. Not! I was trying to impress! I had to learn to be sane during holidays. 

Here is how I figured out how to remain sane and actually enjoy the family gatherings and myself during Christmas especially. It doesn’t matter what everyone likes to eat. Try to make the traditional dishes with a lot of diversity and lots of sweets. It is one meal, not a lifetime of healthy eating. All of the skinny ones just grin and bear this one meal. You will not get fat from one indulgent meal so for all of the meal preparers, make all of the dishes you want to make and have the ones who have to watch their physique or as we say in the South, their figures; to bring a salad and be miserable. Christmas gift cards work fine and everyone gets what they want…..cold and non feeling you say? How many times have you seen “that look”? Oh it is not cold; it is smart thinking and so much less to wrap. I may start giving the gift cards out on Thanksgiving and let all of the young people fight Black Friday. They can buy the gifts, wrap them and bring them to our house for the gift exchange. At least “the look” wouldn’t occur. 

The Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ is born.

Now for the deeper thought…… As if it can get deeper…….Jingle bells, jingle bells! I want to enjoy the special birthday party and relax in the spirit for the season and forget the commercialism of Christmas! As you read this, I already know this will not be the case for many of you; I have been there many Christmases and now older; I see the “Light”. Christmas is LOVE and not for the presents. We received the best present when Jesus Christ was born.  May your Christmas be blessed and May God’s love shine in the midst of the commotion.