photo #1709657

You bet I've been there, done that. Laid under the Christmas tree and looked up at the lights. Started acting like the perfect little angel two weeks before Christmas. Helped my Mother with the Christmas cards. Helped my Mother bake cookies. Helped her make Christmas fudge. Helped my Dad and brother hang the outside decorations. Paged through the Sears catalogue. Written letters to Santa. Gone to bed crying on Christmas Eve because there was a fire in the fireplace even after my parents explained that Santa wore a fireproof suit. Laid awake most of the night waiting for Christmas morning. Spending time with relatives at family get-togethers. Looking forward with anticipation to the surprises Santa had for us. Giving away outgrown toys to make room for new ones. Checking out what all was in our stockings. Wishing the magic and miracles of the season lasted the entire year. Watching others being nice to others. Learning and singing Christmas carols. Playing Christmas music. Watching Christmas programs on Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and other shows. Wonderful times. After finding out about Santa, things took a bit of a twist but were just as special. Now, we could help decorate before Christmas inside. We could help put up and decorate the tree and the inside of the house. We could help wrap presents. Since we knew the truth, we could better convince younger neighbors and relatives that Santa was real. At family gatherings at our house, we just explained that Santa chose certain houses to decorate early because his work load was extreme. We learned all the tricks from our parents when they winked at us when they revealed one in front of others. We got to hang around other adults and help them keep the magic alive in their kids lives. We learned everything by participation and doing. We also started learning why certain people didn't participate, and the reasons thereof. Some were carried forward from their past, some just didn't have the time or money, some had lost loved ones at this time of year and couldn't bear to be reminded of it. We learned how to help those we could, and how to be there for the rest. Now, at almost 71, I'm entering a new phase. No, I don't have grandchildren yet. My son's still looking for a real down to earth woman that isn't into games or the ways of the narcissist. You know the ones who post twice-daily duck lip selfies with dog ears, etc. I get that, WHOLEHEARTEDLY, but continue to teach him all the tricks and traditions. The biggest secret of ALL, is simply YOU are the magic. Everything you know and remember isn't just memories. YOU can still make a difference and a positive change in other people's lives should you choose to do so. You can volunteer at any organization that creates gifts for charity. You can build toys, quilt, do needlework, frame things, etc. You can tell your stories to upcoming generations. You can just be a friend when somebody needs one, especially after this insidious biological attack on the world. Instead of fear, let's give the gift of hope. Hope for when things get back to normal. Hope to face an uncertain future. Hope to help others. Charity INDEED begins at home. My favorite Christmas carol? Little drummer boy. He had but one gift but he gave it........ You might perceive the gifts you have to bestow worthless or valueless, but, I assure you, they'll be received beyond measure for those who need them.