'Tis the Season

The scent of pine, colorful holiday lights, a glowing yule log ... these are some of the reasons I love Christmas. A creche with the infant, Jesus, always has a prominent place in my home during this time. A tabletop artificial tree now replaces the tall live firs of the past. Some things do change. The base of my hutch is lined with cotton and covered with tiny lights. Angels hang from the knobs above. I'm searching for just the right empty wine bottle to hold a string of miniature lights. The bottle must be green.

Christmas means family to me. Gathering together to share food and exchange presents and Christmas memories are important to me. Attending a religious service with family emphasizes the "reason for the season." As I count the days until Christmas and my family is together once more I enjoy reflecting on Christmases past and wondering if today's children are as excited about the season as I was as a little girl.

Please remember the less fortunate, the ill and lonely during the coming days. Take time to connect with those you rarely see. Smile at a stranger, visit someone who lives alone, drop extra change into the red bucket and, above all, be happy. Merry Christmas to all.