Our parents got sick over the Thanksgiving holiday and died before Christmas. Their deaths were years apart, and Mom went to heaven before Dad. It can be a sad time of year if we choose to think about our losses instead of what we gain from having them as parents. Also, they were the ones who taught us the true meaning of the season. Traditions must be passed on to generations after us. Setting new ones has been exciting, fun and accepted by our family.
News came in from Florida today about the passing of our mother’s older sister. Aunt Mable lived to be 88 years old and had a sharp mind. She died of natural causes. I shared with her daughter, our first cousin, that we should all be very blessed with the longevity that she enjoyed for her. Scripture tells us, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The scriptures record that they brought gifts to the infant Jesus. The giving of gifts is a special commemorative gesture at Christmas. However, there is a lot of marketing from retailers to consumers at this time of year. I have not been able to accept this, therefore I have not agreed to their marketing tactics. My loved ones are shown how special they are throughout the year; not just on special occasions.
Of course I participate in the delivery of gifts 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 in this world left a legacy of love; the love and fear of God, the love of humanity and the country. Because of this legacy, Christmas has a special meaning. As we sing Christmas carols, play games, exchange gifts, and sit down to dinner, each of us experiences our parents’ presence in everything that happens.
Not all families will be together on Christmas day. Not all children will receive a gift at Christmas. We could never compete with the greatest gift ever given, but each of us can play our part. We can know that we have contributed to someone’s happiness on this very special birthday. Here are some ideas:
12 days of Christmas ideas
1st day – Donate toys to the US Marines. Toys for children 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 – Bring blankets, quilts, coats, socks, gloves etc. to shelters for the homeless.
Day 5 – Show random acts of kindness to homeless people on the streets.
Day 6 – 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 in a long time.
Day 8 – Visit the Pediatric, Oncology, and Surgical floors of your local hospital(s).
9th Day – Order a Christmas dinner at a restaurant and give it to a family in need.
Day 10: Make a donation to a charity such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Day 11 – Deliver food and other non-perishable items to your local food bank(s).
Day 12 – Send a Christmas card to someone saying you are forgiven or seeking their forgiveness.
Have a Merry Christmas and remember to pray for Peace on Earth and Good Will for all men!