Rejoice Emmanuel has come

I loved Christmas when I was a kid. We had big family Christmases. Christmas Eve at my paternal grandparents house with all the aunts and uncles and cousins, and Christmas day at my maternal grandparents house with all the other aunts and uncles and cousins. We had soooooo much fun. Everyone brought their baggage- drinking, smoking, hoarding, abandonment, adultery, etc. but other than waiting for the table to be de-hoarded and getting a tummy ache in the meantime, I remember the fun. I remember the anticipation, the laughter, the gift giving (of course). I remember my grandmas little hide-away dishes for candy and nuts. I remember trekking up the toboggan hill out back of the bible camp next door and having a hoot as we flew down the fresh snow. I remember giggling as we held hands and my grandpa prayed, "Dear Heavenly Father, we now return thanks for our many blessings...."
After we moved Christmases weren't as full. When I got older they were empty. When I had kids the joy returned. One thing I didn't do though was Santa. I attempted to get a book describing the real Santa Claus for a fun story but I told my kids he is just pretend. I don't like the idea of the lie and the stranger but most of all I don't like that it gives kids a sense of entitlement. I want my kids to have joy in the fact that they can bless others with their giving. That they can think of the person they will give a gift and take care in what they want to say through their gift. I am thankful. I love you. I want you to be happy. And some thoughts for more older years....
I have seen the brochures for World Vision and I would find joy to buy someone a goat or a chicken in a world where they have hunger but all that seems far away. I still want to have something under the tree as well. I would be deeply disappointed if there wasn't a thoughtful gift there for me but I want it all to mean something. I don't need something. I want to bless and be blessed.....and of course watch my kids eyes light up with excitement.
Last year we had nothing and we were blessed by others. It spoke volumes to me and my husband. This year we can give. And that makes my eyes light up. Not because I am a saint but because I am passing it on, not just to others, but to my kids. Merry Christmas. Remember they will know you by your love. Just as we know Christ by his.