What Christmas means to you

While looking through old papers reading the different Christmas stories, I stumbled across one which I could agree with and relate to. Mrs. Lillian Weaver, of Davenport, Idaho wrote in December of 1965 her version of Christmas. I pulled just a few things she stated and gave my opinion.

In her article she wrote, “Christmas is the thrill of an old fashioned sleigh ride on a white stretching road glistening with “snow” diamonds on a moonlight night.”

When I was eight years old we had a team and a sleigh. Dad hooked up our gelding, Blaze, and took me for a ride. Bitter cold nibbled at my cheeks. The blanket we threw over our lap was covered in a layer of snow, kicked up by Blaze’s hooves right over the front of our bobsled. Since we lived in Paradise Valley there were no hills so we made the best of what we had. Sometimes Dad would hook up the sleigh and pull my sisters and me behind in the hayfields. We’d look like snowmen after he got done pulling us around in the fields. Some days our rides would last longer than the others. It all depended on the weather and how tuckered out the horses got. When it got closer to the holidays Dad would put the sleigh bells on the team and would travel the roads so all of our neighbors could enjoy the sound. Between the afternoon’s chill and the moonlight nothing could have been made more enjoyable. If neighbors really wanted Dad would even give them a ride.

Back to her article, “Christmas is a day of glad reunion with family and friends and with our missing ones close in thought.”

We have a fairly big family so Christmas is one of the only times through the year we all get together in the same house. There’s always at least three generations for the holidays. Younger generations are either playing amongst each other or listening to the older generation talk and tell stories. Topics of discussion vary but you can always count on a solid conversation about accomplishments.

Referring to her article again, “Christmas is gifts to gladden the hearts of those who give and those who receive.”

The meaning of this has been dragged through the mud over generations in my opinion. Now there are lists of stuff that somebody wants. It may make it easier without a doubt to buy something for them, but in the end you might not get them what is on their list. There are many reasons why you wouldn’t of course, maybe you don’t see the reason they really need it, it’s too expensive, or you really can’t find it. This may cause them to get upset. The way I see it, Christmas isn’t about the gifts you get or gifts you want. It’s about spending time with those you cherish close to you.

Finally, “Christmas is a time that is good, kind, forgiving, hospitable, charitable, reverent and pleasant.”

The day should be spent with those who are pleasant to be around. For some pleasant also has its different meanings of course. It depends on the type of person you are. For me, I enjoy spending the holidays with family. It’s always good to see them and spend time with them. The food is never scarce and there’s always laughter. Spending Christmas with somebody who doesn’t bring any happiness with their company doesn’t sound fun to me.

This holiday season spend time with those around you. Enjoy their company while they are still able to give it. Eat the food presented to you and enjoy it. Spread the happiness to others who may not have the chance to have what you have. Laugh and make memories with everybody around. Most importantly enjoy the time you spend with loved ones. The time may make a cherished memory someday.