"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

This question is asked every year by Charlie Brown and every year it is answered by Linus..
"Sure, Charlie Brown - I can tell you what Christmas is all about....And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord.'

'And this shall be a sign unto you...you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men." That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

I need this reminder every year to keep me grounded. I celebrate Christmas because I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he is my elder brother who gave his life so I could have a chance to make choices that will allow me to live again with my Heavenly Father. This season helps me renew my choices and review what I have done for others in the past year. Do I have charity, the pure love of Christ? (ok...I'm working on it and it depends who it is...so basically, I'm not there yet!) I want to develop the qualities I need in this life to be able to enjoy the next (not that I'm in a hurry to go). I want my family to know how much I love them and that I would do anything in my power or abilities to help them when they need it. I hope we can always be close and forgive and forget when our feelings get hurt as sometimes happens. I want to enjoy spending time with my family members because the love I feel for them reminds me in a small way, that God and Christ love and accept me. It makes me want to be a better person.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas season and not lose sight of the real reason we celebrate.

Merry Christmas! Elaine

I got behind...

OK. I got behind. I'm a slacker, deal with it.
I can't believe its already December 12th...Christmas will be over before I have time to slow down and enjoy the holiday. I don't know how that happens but it does every year.
I keep watching HGTV and all their "enjoy the holiday" shows....I think you have to work for HGTV to have time to decorate and be the host with the most. I want to enjoy the holidays, I just never do. I'm living vicariously from tv shows that tell me how easy, simple, rewarding and wonderful all holiday activities are. If I watch them, it feels like I did it and then I don't do it in real life. Perhaps I am an avatar and don't know it?!! What's it all about Alfie?

Well...if I miss out this year, perhaps next year? I live with hope.