Tis The Season

Christmas is quickly approaching.  In years past, we would gather together at my mom’s house to start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We would hang the wreath on the door.  Drag in the tree from the top of the vehicle.  Secure the tree in the water stand.  Cut the twine around the tree and see exactly what shape the tree would display.

That’s the thing about using a live Christmas tree.  You cannot fluff out the branches to achieve a symmetrical look.  Once you cut the twine that kept the tree bundled up, you get what you get, and you don’t pitch a fit.  Pine needles would be sprinkled on the pristine skirt of the tree and around the room.  The aroma of fresh pine would permeate the house.

We would then get the ornaments out of the box and begin our decorating.  It took time, but bit by bit, I accumulated all kinds of nature décor for our tree.  I found wooden animals.  Mom bought blue ornaments that look like shiny berries.  The tree looked like it transported from some fancy forest into the dining room.  But we were not done there.

I have a flair for the dramatic, and no Christmas tree of ours would be finished without snow.  Not the kind that you spray onto trees.  I always wanted the lose material so that I could throw snow into the air and let it land where it may on the tree. (Do not judge me.  I just told you that I have a flair for the dramatic.)  At times, I could convince Bible Study Mama and Bible Study Brother to join in on the fun.

We finished by lining our stockings with care on the fireplace mantel.  Each stocking has our first initial.  We even have a stocking for my dog, Fiona.  Fiona passed away on Christmas Day some years back, but while she was alive, she lived a very spoiled life.  After the stockings were hung, our decorations would be complete.

Although I love a nicely decorated home, I loved the time with my family the most.  We are not all gathering to decorate this year and that makes my heart a little sad.  For me, Christmas is really not about the gifts or the décor.  I treasure the birth of Jesus.  I treasure the gift of family.  As the season kicks into high gear, I pray that you remember the most precious gift of all.  #wepreach