Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

If I had to choose, I would say that my favorite activity of the Christmas season is unwrapping all of the ornaments in preparation for decorating the trees. (Yes, I said trees...8 of them to be exact...sigh).  There is something nostalgic about unwrapping the carefully packed pieces.  Something about gently unfolding the tissue paper that has cradled a special ornament for the past year evokes the excitement and anticipation that I felt as a child unwrapping a gift.  And as each ornament is revealed, so is a memory.  Perhaps I am overly sentimental but I have very dear memories about most of my ornaments.  Some are old, some are new.  Some are handmade, some are store bought.  But, they all hold a very special place in my heart. 

There are many nominees for favorite.  My 'NOEL' balls  remind me of Aunt Mildred and Uncle Jim (they were always in place, front and center on their tree).  I have several ceramic pieces that were cast and painted by my super talented Aunt Nettie.  Many an ornament comes from my dancing days and are 'Nutcracker' themed.  Then we have my silver ornaments (given to me over years and years by everyone in the family).  And, of course, my Lenox ornaments (each and every one from Grandma....those are even more special now).  But if I had to choose one....just one....as my very favorite, it would be the porcelain bell with Santa kneeling and praying before the baby Jesus. 

This ornament reigns as favorite year after year for several reasons.  First, because it was an ornament that I inherited from Grandma.  Second, because it was given to her by her closest friend Janet.  But most of all it is my favorite because I believe that is a fabulous and succinct display of how we should celebrate this incredible holiday season.  As cliche as it has come to sound, Jesus is the reason for the season.  And I am a Christian who celebrates as such.  And, in addition (not substitution) my daughter has been raised to believe in the magic that is Santa Claus.  I don't see why being a Christian must be mutually exclusive with Santa Claus.  It's all about keeping things in perspective and in their proper place.  How does leaving out some cookies threaten a belief in the Saviour?  Why does a visit to the man in red minimize the babe in the manger?  If your faith is threatened by the whimsy and fantasy of the north pole, then you have a much more serious issue to deal with than ole St. Nick.  Is Jesus what is most important at Christmas time?  Absolutely.  So to that end we read the Christmas story from our Bible each night of December and my daughter's favorite Christmas carol is 'Joy to the World'.  But we also get a visit from Santa at our party every year and we leave out cookies (good ones, too) for Santa and carrots for the Reindeer each Christmas Eve.  And, if ever I feel my perspective getting a bit out of whack I take a stroll over to my tree and I gaze upon the man in red kneeling before the Lord.