So This Is Christmas...What Have We Done???

I started typing this at 11:53 PM CST on Wednesday, December 23. By the time I finish writing this post tonight, it will be Christmas Eve. This has been a very rough year financially, emotionally, mentally for a lot of people. In fact, I know that many people are cutting back on the usual extravegances, opting for simple get-togethers with family and friends. Many adults have agreed to skip the exchange of Christmas presents, opting to focus their gift giving towards their children, who, regardless of the state of the world right now, deserve a good holiday.

So while most of the presents have been purchased, and many still need to be wrapped, I find myself having to shop tomorrow for last minute presents for the nine kids that I care for the most (that would be two kids of my own plus the seven nephews and nieces that they enjoy being with). It wouldn't be the first time I went last-minute shopping, and I'm sure it won't be the last. I might not be able to buy them the most expensive presents on their want list. Heck, I don't think I can buy many of the things on their want lists. But I will find something for them that they can definitely use (no, I don't plan on buying nine rounds of socks and underwear...although...).

I think I'm trying to say that as our priorities shift, I think it's more important that we think about what Christmas is all about. Yes, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And that is why my family and I celebrate. But there is so much more to it than that. This is the time of year that we show our friends and family how much they mean to us. How much they matter to us. How much we care about them and believe that the feelings are mutual. This is the time that we put any hostilities we have aside and celebrate life. It's the time of year that we think about those who are less fortunate, and find ways to help, no matter how much or how little, and count our blessings.

And while I ramble on...

Regardless of where you are these next two days, on behalf of my family, I wish you and yours a happy, a safe, a joyous, and most imporantly, a very Merry Christmas. May packs of Topps cards fill your stocking on Christmas morning.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

P.S. To set the mood for the next two days, please feel free to enjoy a song that for some reason, only gets airtime during the holidays. Regardless, this is one of my favorite songs...EVER. jba


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