This is a great time of year. For me, Christmas is a religious celebration. I look forward to the spirituality and anticipate the joy. It happens in my heart and in my church. Knowing that it will always be the same, brings "comfort and joy."
Independent of my personal feelings for Christmas, a couple of other things happen in that same timeframe. It's almost the same as fourth of July. The family gathers, the love flows, it's the "hap -hap - happiest time of the year."
The tree goes up with a lot of handed-down, handmade ornaments and the familiar angel on top. Some came from earlier family trees that Stan and I remember from our family homes as children. A few were wedding presents! Then we bought some early in our marriage for much smaller apartment-size trees.
In the early '70's, toddlers looked with wide eyes on the lights, the sparkles and the shine. They learned that the celebration involving the tree is a commemoration of the baby Jesus birth. As they grew, the separated the story of Jesus from the tree. Both were important in different ways.
The tree became an instrument of family history. "Remember the elves!" "Remember when we made the strawberries!!" "Wow, we still have the cookie angel." "Wait!! It's Jean's job to put the angel on top." "Why does SHE get to do it??" "Because she always has!"
The tree is central. Everyone helps to decorate when the clan gathers. Each year we reflect on who is missing. We trash talk those who just didn't come home - for whatever reason. We miss those are are gone. While trimming, we always eat the same cookies [Grama Bette's anise angels - now made by Jean, Roberta Sachs shortbread and Grama Terry's peppermint meringues] - though we added peanut butter buttons when Dan joined the family.
When he was little, I loved watching Julian's eyes widen as he viewed the assortment. Then there was Gabe's excitement starting with the lights. And then Sam who marveled at absolutely anything, taking great pride in the handmade ornaments that he and Gabe added. Don't they look awesome, Grampa!
It's about family and memories. And as I said, knowing that it matters and will always be the same, brings "comfort and joy."
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