Christmas Approaches...

I am not getting the Christmas Spirit thing.  Maybe I need a visit from the three ghosts of Christmas and remember Christmas is not about gifts and spending but rather about family, friends and sharing.

Mother carried the traditions and Daddy loved the holiday.  He always cut the largest tree he could find that would fit in our house.  "We may not have lots of gifts but we can have a big tree". 

The tree cutting was a ceremony unto itself.  Many trees were spared from the brush hog during the year because they were a potential Christmas tree.  We have always had red cedars so the smell alone brings Christmas to mind.

Wrapped in many layers of clothes and armed with hand saws, we searched.  Daddy led the way but always let us choose which one.  After choosing, chopping and sawing, we would drag the tree back to the house, hoping it would fit. We always had to trim it some and it was always tied into a corner so the huge thing would not fall.

Some times we would decorate with pop corn strings or paper chains made lovingly with care.  Then the antique lights and ropes were added because they had always been in the family.  Ornaments, each with a story were added.  The final touch was icicles, the clingy plastic kind they use to make.  My favorite was Grandma's bubble lights. 

Mom and Dad are gone.  Christmas is not the same and I find it difficult to start the season even with grandchildren.

I wish I could make all Christmas wishes come true.  I wish I could give everyone what they need for Christmas.  I believe this has a name, Holiday Blues and I have a bad case.