Merry Christmas

With a huge smile on my face I say to everyone reading this, "Merry Christmas!" I love Christmas. Not necessarily for the presents, tho it definitely goes in the pro column. I love the spirit of Christmas. I know- super corny- and also probably nothing new. Lots of people love the spirit of Christmas.

Other than Jesus, she is the greatest gift I've ever known.

Most of the year we are quick to judge, easily bothered, and patience is in short supply. But somehow, once those twinkly lights go up, and those empty corner lots are filled with pine trees, our Grinch-like hearts are transformed. All of a sudden we are making eye contact with strangers and wishing them a Merry Christmas. We are picking up the phone to connect with loved ones near and far. We make arrangements to try to spend the holidays with those we love. Our free time is spent making memories, spreading laughter and joy. All of a sudden it's like we give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

It always makes me wonder why. Not in a bad way. But why is it that we can't keep this up year round? I mean we have proven that we can keep it up for about a month every year, but come January the magic quickly fades. Why is it that this time of year always inspires such good will? I'll admit, I haven't come up with a good answer yet.

Santa hat to the grocery store spreads a lot of holiday cheer!

My primary hypothesis is that with the general gift-giving spirit it just perks everyone up. Makes everyone feel a bit jollier. It's hard to not feel generous and happy when so many people are showing you such generosity and kindness.

I think it also comes down to why you celebrate Christmas. Is it because it's a national holiday so duh, why not? Or maybe you are off work so celebrating Christmas just seems like the right thing to do. What does Christmas mean to you? And if you can't answer that, why are you celebrating it?

My sous chef for baking Christmas cookies

Christmas is a celebration in my home because we are honoring and remembering and the day that Jesus was born, and if you know Jesus then you know why that deserves celebration. Now that I have a baby girl, the gravity of the sacrifice God made is much more poignant. I couldn't imagine sending my baby girl away from me to fulfill the fate that awaited Jesus. But God so loved the world that he sent his only son to us. And that day was Christmas.

On Christmas the greatest gift was given to mankind, and it is because of that, that I have a smile on my face this time of year. It is hard to not smile when you think of how amazing a gift you've been given by the creator of the world.

Why do you think Christmas spirit exists? What makes you smile and feel joyful throughout this holiday season? Whatever it is, I hope that you hold on tightly to it and that your Christmas is a wonderful and memorable one.

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