Merry Christmas!

Mistletoe anyone?

Oh Christmas, the best time of year! Smells of sugar cookies, charlie carrots, maple ham, sour cream potatoes, chocolate oranges, peppermint, pine, and more. Sounds of hallelujah choruses, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas, Bells jingling, crackling fires, carolers, songs around the piano, wrapping paper crinkling, Luke chapter 2 read aloud, " Josh Groban's "O Holy Night," "Ho, Ho, Ho" and Karen Carpenter's "Merry Christmas Darling."

 The sights of lights on the rooftops and trees, stockings hung by the chimney, presents spilling from under the tree, Ice skaters, the baby in swaddling clothes, Red noses, bundled up children, brilliant Christmas ornaments hanging from branches, smiles, softly falling snow, the musical "Scrooge," and  Nativity scenes of all ethnicities.

The feeling of warm hot cocoa slipping down your throat, itchy Christmas sweaters, crispy pine needles, joy in remembering Christ's birth, charity for those less fortunate, love for family, peace, surprise in discovering an unknown gift under the tree, bitter cold wind, nostalgia for Christmases past, longing for those who aren't with us, childlike joy, gratitude, and hope for the new year.

I wish you all the Merriest Christmas this year! In the Spanish language, "mas" means more, so I always like to think that Christmas is kinda like "more Christ" - An opportunity to turn our thoughts more toward the Savior and also an opportunity to be more like him as we share our love and Christmas spirit with others.