Soulful Christmas

I don't mean to sound like something from Hallmark, but can you feel the magic of the season yet?

It never ceases to amaze me just how much better I feel around this time of the year. It's more than the knowledge that I am going to get some good reactions to well-thought gifts. It's definitely greater than the anticipation of getting presents, although I am still the biggest kid I know, and thoroughly enjoy receiving. Heck, I like the surprise aspect of it so much, I unwrap gifts with my eyes closed, and try to guess what it is.

I know that things seem to just get more commercial as each passing year finds us, but December still does it for me. Turning the page on the calendar signifies all that's right in the world to me, and even though there are outside and self-induced worries along the way, I really feel the most at ease around this time.

That's the main reason that I save up time off, and always try to take the lion's share around Christmas each year. It's tough being patient, and watching all your co-workers take trips here and there through the year. The payoff is great! Being able to be at home during the time that I'm most happy is perfect.

I spend time with family, and friends, and my wife. It's all surrounded by decorations, Christmas trees, light displays, cold, clear nights, and all the intangible goodness that I feel.

I know that Thanksgiving is set aside to be mindful of our blessings, and I certainly do my best in that respect. However, Christmas is the time that I reflect on how wonderful life is here in the real world, and not just with Jimmy Stewart. Sure, we may have a lot stacked against us, but it's never so much that you can't see what's real, and true, and lovely if you care to look.

This time of year is good for my soul. I get warm feelings that go beyond a cup of hot chocolate (even with mini-marshmallows), or something stronger.

I love Christmas, and all the wonderful memories that go along with it. For it's sights and sounds, and all those who share it with me most of all.

God bless us, ev'ryone...