Over the years, I have always heard the a few questions before and after the holidays:
- Before – What are you asking for?
- After – What did you get?
Is gift giving a great way to show you care? Yes, as they say, “it’s better to give than receive”, but it’s not the only thing you can give. Make memories with your friends and family as memories can be taken with them for the rest of their lives. It can be as simple as sharing or starting a Holiday tradition like Elf on the Shelf, a family dinner, volunteering at a food bank or caroling somewhere. It doesn’t have to elaborate or expensive, just bring joy and warmth to the hearts of everyone involved.
Who knows maybe the traditions you start or share will be passed down for generations to come.
My Christmas Memory
One of my fondest Christmas memories is of a particular song – Silent night.I have been singing it my entire life.
In 1974 my family joined St. John’s Episcopal Church just shy of my second birthday. As part of our first Christmas there, I was slated to play an angel in the Annual Christmas Pageant. The Angels sang the first verse of Silent Night up the aisle. So that I would know the song, my parents sang it all over the place. Over the years, my Mom would remind me of how I learned that particular song and why I have a fondness for that carol.
Singing it today still brings warmth to my heart and a tear to my eyes because I know that it was my parents who taught me to sing Silent Night.
No matter what you celebrate this time of the year, may it be about the people you love. Always remember: things get dusty, toys break and other stuff is forgotten but memories will live you for the rest of your life!
Below is a current favorite rendition of Silent Night by Taylor Davis on violin featuring Home Free. Its beautifully simple arrangement just like the song is suppose to be. (That’s just my opinion.)
