Christmas, Christmas, what a wonderful holiday! It was my favorite as a kid; magical. The joy was not just Christmas day, but the days surrounding it. The memories I have are worth more than money. My cousins, little sisters (when they were old enough) and I would make cookies with Mom. Then she’d kick us out of the kitchen and make this sweet white stuff with a pecan in it called “divinity.” Aunt Jo would make fudge and bring some over. Mom and Aunt Jo would make rum balls too. I think they drank some of the rum because they really seemed happy.
Late at night, my cousins and I would sneak into the kitchen and eat a little of it while my parents slept. One time we ate too much and got sick so we blamed it on the nasty spinach we had the night before! On Christmas Day we would wake up early and run to the living room to see what our Dear Santa had left us.
But when I was nine, the magic was smashed; my parents told me about Santa. I was devastated! It would never be the same. So, I was mad at my Mom and Dad for not only ruining Christmas, but for lying to me. Now that I’m older I understand it wasn’t a lie but just something parents do for their kids. Santa makes Christmas so exciting and I’ve never told any kid about him. And…If I ever have kids, I’m not going to tell them; I’ll let them figure it out on their own.
So, after a few years I got over my shock. I went to a Christmas Celebration outside of a church. It was warm outside being in Texas and all, so they had a live Nativity with animals and everything. They even had a real baby! I got close, then touched the baby’s arm. That’s when he looked at me. My heart just melted. At that moment it hit me; I figured out what Christmas was really about.
Christmas is a time we actually celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who saved us from the punishment of our sins if we repent and take on his name. I don’t go around preaching about it or anything, but when I mention it, some other teens shy away from me, like they’re embarrassed or just don’t want to hear it. But, I don’t care, that’s the reason Christmas was created.
We give each other presents to resemble the presents the three wise men gave to the baby Jesus. There are lots of Christmas songs about it, like my favorite, “The Little Drummer Boy,” sung by a couple of old guys, Bing Crosby and David Bowie. And my other favorite, “Mary Did You Know?” by the Pentatonix.
Most people celebrate Christmas with gifts to each other and from Santa, even though they don’t believe in Christ. But, at least it’s a time where people are nicer and give more donations to organizations that help feed and clothe less fortunate people like the homeless, and give to animal rescue groups that save them from stupid people that abuse and neglect them, and organizations that help sick people.
I’m glad I learned the true meaning of Christmas. I am glad, too, that I’ve learned the truth to the old saying “it’s better to give than receive.’ Doesn’t it make you feel good to give to others, even without getting anything in return?
So, to you and all your loved ones, Merry Christmas! Marisal
Photos: Christmas #29 by Kevin Dooley; Dickens Village by Kevin Dooley; Chinese Food Delivery Service by Chad Sparkes ; Nativity Scene by Chad Sparkes
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