Special Post - Day 3
People are always asking me, “Why do you love Christmas so much?” or saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone love Christmas as much as you!” Well, there are several reasons why I’ve become to love this special holiday and I’m going to explain why.
When I was younger, Christmas was so exciting, as it is I think for every child. We would always decorate Black Friday and my parents went all out - they still do today. I enjoyed helping them and decorating the tree. We had several traditions, such as going to see the lights, watching Christmas specials together, and going to Christmas Eve mass. Many of the traditions I had as a child, I still do with my kids today, but have added to them. I decorate a lot earlier now, mainly because I want to enjoy Christmas that much longer.
Being Catholic, Christmas and the birth of Jesus were always very important in my home. We celebrated Advent and the Epiphany. This time of the year has become very special to my now family as well and we even leave our decorations up until the Epiphany, which is seen as the end of Christmas in the Church.
When I was a small child, my grandfather (dad’s dad) passed away December 27th of cancer. He was only 50. My father always seemed to have a hard time with the holiday, because of so, but would continue to try and make it jolly for us kids. My grandmother (Dad’s mom), would attend Christmas Eve Mass with us every year and then spend the night at the house. I’m remember when I was 14, I was looking forward to that mass, because I had a duet that was going to sing, which was “Silent Night”, my favorite Christmas song, and I couldn’t wait to sing it, in front of my grandmother. That Christmas Eve morning, she passed away. That holiday was beyond tragic for us and was for several years for my father. She had already obviously bought us our gifts - one of the gifts she got me that year, was the start to my natvity set, that I still use today and cherish so very much. As the years have went on and now my dad has 5 grand babies of his own, I think our family has become to really treasure the holidays and know that the time we spend together, no matter what it is, is always precious.
I ask you, my friends, to make time for your family, no matter if it’s just an hour or the whole day long. The holidays are a time for loved ones to be together and make memories, which is what my parents did with me and now I do with my children. I’ll never forget these times and know that my kids won’t as well. I’m thankful for the time spent with my family and urge you all do the same!
Merry Christmas to you all, God Bless you and your families!
