Kelly KleinChristmas can be a magical time of year.
Beyond the anticipation, there’s the enjoyment of the holiday season itself.
Snow falling gently to the ground, blanketing the land, and the colourful twinkling lights seen around town, is enough to foster a childlike wonder. I’ve already talked about the anticipation and the inspiration of the season.
Now I want to paint a picture of this time of year. A picture painted with words. There’s something about this time of year that sparks the imagination.
We all have memories of Christmases long past.
Events and activities to mark the upcoming season. Parades, tree lightings, concerts, plays, performances, and many other festivities.
Baking cookies and cakes, decorating inside and out. Lighting candles. Hanging mistletoe.
Long car rides in snowstorms, hunkered in the warmth of the vehicle for the drive. High beams on falling snow creating warp speed illusions.
Taking walks in the winter wonderland, bundled up and breathing in the clear air, holding hands with the one you love, gazing at the colourful lights, breeze rustling the empty trees, sounds carrying, snow gently falling to the ground.
Whirlwind visits to see everybody, and eating your fill of goodies – turkey, rolls, fruit trays, meat and cheese trays, stuffing, veggies…yum!
Sitting by the brightly decorated tree or the fire at gatherings; telling stories, and sharing under the ambience of the colourful lights. Playing games. Reading books. Laughing together. Singing songs and listening to recorded music. Sharing smiles. Watching movies and television specials. Then hunkering down for a long winter’s nap.
My favourite part of the season is Christmas Eve, sitting under the beauty of the fir tree, reading a winter novel, cozy under a blanket. Or also curling up with someone special, warm inside, with the wind whistling in the trees and gently rocking the house.
Sometime through the night you would be visited by Santa Claus. He deposits little trinkets and candy in stockings hung by the fireplace. Even though my child is a teenager, I still like to keep the tradition – and the magic – alive. Santa Claus is a symbol of charity; of caring for others. We can learn a lot from him about compassion, caring, and love for one another.
The next morning everyone wakes up to a quiet world. Presents are under the tree. The kids’ faces light up as they see that Santa has come. Despite all their efforts to catch him in the act, he stopped by unnoticed.
I pause for a moment sometime during the holidays and remember that it isn’t a magical Christmas for everybody. Perhaps they lost someone special and this is their first Christmas alone. Or they have to work throughout the holiday season. Or they don’t have a home. Or they can’t give their kids gifts. I do what I can to help, even though money is tight. Toy drives, financial donations, etc. I am thankful every day that I have a roof over my head, a full fridge and cupboards, and someone to spend the holidays with, but I recognize not everyone is that fortunate.
The true meaning of Christmas may not be what you think it is. In my opinion, the true meaning of the holiday season is love. Caring about your fellow human. Helping in small ways. Paying it forward. Giving what you can of your time or money.
May you have a magical Christmas holiday, sharing memories and making new memories. May your worries be suspended and may you enjoy old traditions and start new ones. May special, magical things happen in your life. May you enjoy the chaos and have a moment of peace. May you enjoy a new romance, an old romance, or a current romance. May you spend time with your family and friends. May you be inspired to set goals for the new year and achieve them. 2025 will be your year, if you make it your year.
And, as always, be awesome and may your life be passionate!
