What I Love about Christmas

With Christmas day this week, I've been thinking of my favorite experiences and memories around the holidays. Without a doubt, what I like best is spending Christmastime with my children and grandchildren. Christmas wonder is ALWAYS best experienced through the eyes of a child. I love their enthusiasm, belief, and their efforts to stay on the "nice" list. I know many a mother (myself included) who has threatened Santa's absence if the kids don't behave.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite holiday memories when my two youngest girls, Rachel and Aubrey, were little. They were both members of a dance group and they had a Christmas recital. Rachel, the elder, performed her solo routine without a hitch. But when it came four-year-old Aubrey's turn, she simply refused. She sat down cross-legged on the floor and just planted herself there. We tried coaxing. We tried bribing. Finally, I resorted to those infamous holiday warnings: "If you don't dance, then you'll get no toys."

She responded, "I hate toys."

"No presents."

"I hate presents."

"No visit from Santa."

"I hate Santa."

And on it went. We were getting desperate, and David even tried lifting her up by the elbows to aim her toward the stage. Her legs never even unfolded.

In retrospect, the whole situation completely makes me laugh. And did we withhold presents? Of course not! How could we? If you had seen her big, innocent eyes and spunky personality, you would have relented, too! That's part of what I love about Christmas: kids' personalities really emerge and define them. It's great to see what they wish for, their excitement for Santa and gratitude for Christ, and of course, the kindness and generosity they begin to exhibit toward others. That pure desire to give and serve is what defined Christ's ministry on earth, and it brings me great joy to see service and a concern for our fellow man growing as our children grow.

However you celebrated Christmas this year, I hope that fun was there. I hope family was there. And most importantly, I hope Christ was there, at the center, giving you His peace, comfort, and joy in the knowledge that He lives.