[Momma's Kids]

When I was a child I remember Christmas being warm, simple and people filled with laughter. A fireplace glowing with hot embers and huge logs burning with dancing flames to enhance the laughter of children and adults. I remember a huge box filled with coconuts, oranges, brazil nuts, pecans, tangerines and other fruit that mysteriously disappeared.

Grandparents waiting for family to arrive for the huge dinner that was prepared by so many. The green sweet smell of the Christmas tree decorated with loving hands and shining brightly from lights. The presents underneath wrapped with colorful paper beckoning for the paper to be torn away to reveal the treasure beneath. The small children playing inside as the older ones bundled up to play in the cold until dinner was called. The family gathered around the table holding hands as a prayer was said, then each found a favorite spot to eat such a wonderful feast.

Dinner finished, dishes done, now comes the time for Christmas fun. Presents given by the youngest of many handed out until there were none. The paper torn and shattered lay while the treasure it held was exclaimed over in delight. The children played and the adults sit around in the warmth of family, talking and laughing while eating sugared delights. I remember the ghost of Christmas past and wonder what happened to those days.

As a child I remember them being simple, and warm filled with laughter. I see them now, hectic, stressful and draining. Was it always this way and because I was a child, I did not see? Was it always so and being a child did not see? Christmas we are taught is about giving.

The birth of a Son which we celebrate, the giving of a Son because we are so loved. The Son which was given as affirmation we are so loved. Christmas is about giving, God has given us much and we should rejoice. Have we forgotten how as children we revelled in the simplicities of life? Have we forgotten the smallest of things that made us smile?

Ghosts of Christmas past gently haunt today, will we celebrate on His birthday the way of a child? A child with wonder and delight in the smallest of things or have we become jaded by the adults we've become. The ghosts of Christmas present haunt us with things we've forgotten so we can't remember seeing with the eyes of a child.

May you have a wonderful Holiday, may you see with the eyes of a child rather than through a child's eyes. There is after all a difference, look inside the child hiding and remember the ghosts of Christmas past.

Where ever or however you celebrate, I hope this Holiday is all it can be for you. I send you sincere wishes, love and hugs that you'll be safe as well as happy.
Patricia