Northern MI – I love the holiday season. There is something quite comforting about falling asleep with the Christmas tree lights on our tree all-aglow with our favorite decorative bulbs, and of course, shimmering red candy canes. Also filling the room with the amazing smells of cookies baking, hot spiced apple cider in the Crockpot for guests, and the scent of pine emanating through the air.
As I settle into my “Comfy Chair” and take one long look at Christmas decorations in every corner of our family room, I take comfort as I begin
napping in this rich holiday environment. I am positive that these many dreams may have generated our favorite stories and songs: “A Christmas Carol,” “Christmas Story,” “Rudolf The Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and even good ole St. Nick himself!
There is something about Christmas music that transcends time & space. Of course, I prefer to hear these songs after Thanksgiving! Indeed, when a Christmas song special to you plays on the radio, television, CD album, MP3, while shopping or whatever you are listening to, your heart & mind is immediately refocused on the moment in time that you connected with it. It may have been when you were a child with your family around the Christmas tree or dinner table. It could have been your first Christmas when you became married, had your child, or received a new puppy or your favorite present. This special time may have occurred at a Christmas concert, or during a church celebration or social get together. When that particular song plays, everything comes back, feelings, sights, smells, and emotions.
When your special songs blends’ in with Christmas that you are celebrating at the moment, you can still be transformed to any time in your life that they first came together. For many of us, we are in the moment of making these memories in the; here, and now. For many, we have generated them sometime in the distant past.
Whichever group that you find yourself in, be comforted in knowing that Christmas lives in each of us in different ways and different memories. For some, the Christmas season memories take their toll on their lives, sadness can overcome them in this otherwise festive season. Take the time this Christmas season to reach out to old friends, to your relatives, to new friends and even those that for whatever reason, you’ve lost touch with. Invite them over or go visit them and share the Spirit of Christmas, and the new hope that springs forth each year.
Have a very Merry Christmas! May it be filled with “Peace on Earth” and “Good Will to All”!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 12/16/2019 Author of: “The Guinea Pig in The Freezer.” joelmvernier@aol.com
