Christmas Past

Christmas past… I was reading a friend’s blog tonight and he was reminiscing about what Christmas used to be to him as a kid. It made me think of what Christmas used to be for me.

Christmas time memories for me are spending every Sunday evening at the church for the 4 Sunday’s before Christmas (aka Advent). One Sunday we would make gingerbread houses, another we would make ornaments and hang them on the tree upstairs while singing Christmas carols. I forget what did for the other two Sunday’s, it was always the same year after year. The gingerbread houses and the ornaments were my favorite.

It meant that every year somehow our live Christmas tree was always too tall and it took several tries to get enough cut off the base to get it into the tree stand, and upright.

Christmas Eve was always my favorite. It started with being at the church for the 5pm service. At one point we would light candles and sing carols. After that it was off to the Cole’s house for a Christmas party with lots of good food and candy. From there, we would drive around to look at Christmas lights. All the while listening to the radio, as NORAD always had updates as to where Santa was. Then we would come home, and open 1 gift.

I was always the early riser on Christmas morning, and I sure didn’t let anyone else sleep in! The morning started with the sorting of the gifts. Then the opening started. At some point mom would insist we stop for breakfast. Stockings were always last. Then the rest of the day, play with all the new exciting toys and games you just got. Ahh, the magic of Christmas.

Then you grow up, and somehow, it’s not as magical anymore. The part that made me really sad this year is realizing that the new little one won’t have any concept of Santa and the magic of Christmas until she is probably 2 or 3. And now a day’s the magic only lasts until they are 6 or 7. That is such a short amount of time! I sure wish that is something I could extend for her for many many years.

Well, our Christmas was good here. Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful gifts! Courtney was showered with love! She is a very lucky girl. I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and know that you are all in our hearts!