For me, an important part of Christmas was always excitement and joy. Gathering around the piano to sing carols, eating Christmas cookies and drinking thick, rich eggnog. Every thing was so perfect! Going to parties and special Church services was always a big part of the seasonal activities. I loved it! Christmas eve would find our family gathered at my aunt's house for food and presents with our kin. That night I would look out at the holiday lights from my bed and dream holiday dreams. Everything was so peaceful.... Oh holy night....
In the morning screams of delight would fill the room as we
opened our
presents. Later, the family would join us for dinner and the opening of
even more presents! We were always sad when our guests left that
evening, but the promise of the next day's adventures with our new
possessions made going to sleep that night almost bearable. All these
things are wonderful, but the true, deep joy of Christmas is not
material.It is the warm, brotherly love, the peace, and the safety we
feel in this special season.
