SHARE THE BLESSINGS
When reflecting back on the time we were
children Jim and I saw life then a lot different, yet the same. Most of
our family traditions were based on our religion, and how much money our
family made, much like today. For example, many times we never put up our
tree until Christmas Eve. For by that time the trees had been marked down
and we could get a big one. We had live trees, so we could not keep them
in the house that long. Our parents belonged to a Christmas Club at the
bank, where weekly they placed as much as they could spare, anywhere from
$1 to $10. Then, at the beginning of December, they got a check for the
entire amount they had saved. That is what they spent on Christmas for
everyone on their list.
On Christmas Eve, we would go to church, then home to hear the Blessed
Story of the Birth of the Baby Jesus, which was followed by “The Night
Before Christmas,” after which we were told to go to bed and go fast to
sleep if we wanted Santa to come see us.
 On
Christmas morning, we opened our two gifts—a doll or truck—and maybe a
piece of clothing. But what we remembered most was the stocking filled
with an orange and lots of nuts in their shells. We always had a box of
chocolate-covered cherries. Yummy, I still like them. After that we would
clean up and either go to grandma’s house or they would come to ours. The
memories made with our family still remain on our hearts.
As an adult today, as we put out all of the old stuff that we have
gathered through the years, it is fun and so wonderful to see our
grandchildren’s faces glow and eyes shine, as they
come to our house to see if, indeed, “Santa had exploded in each room.”
Yet it is more rewarding to see them bend down and quietly look to see
where the baby Jesus is sleeping.
So this year as we gather with family and friends, old and new, may we
remember the reason for Christmas. Share our blessings, give more of
ourselves, and remember to love one another. Last, but not least, let us
thank our Heavenly Father for his unselfish love in sending his only Son,
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Happy holidays to you all—and may God bless us all.
--Jim and Lynn Hazelbaker |
