The Christmas Spirit.

Merry Christmas (: 

I know it has been a while... Things have been crazy.

Annnd there I go again... Apologizing at the beginning of every post, it seems....

Well. Sorry not sorry, perhaps then (;

This holiday season, I have to say, has crept up on me.  I barely saw it coming... I haven't been prepared... I'm so behind on gifts and getting things together for the new year... Not to mention the assignments that devil teachers have assigned to us over break... >:/

But you know what? Even as things aren't done, and nothing is quite solidified and final... The spirit of the season is still in the air.  I recently saw a twitter post the other day... it said that "the older you get, the more you get Christmas".  The older you get... the more you get Christmas...

Man.  I agree.

This holiday season so far for me has been nothing but relishing the time with family and friends... enjoying their company and sharing laughter. And I must say-- it's a better gift than I could ever receive in a box.

This morning, I slept a lonnnnnnnnnnnng time.  Slept in 'til about noon.  ('Twas heavenly! (: )  Every year, ever since I can remember, once everyone in my family is awake, we all come down the stairs--my dad waits at the bottom with some sort of camera in hand, and captures our expressions when we come face to face with the gleaming tree and the shiny packages beneath. He then mills around, in between the six of us kidlins, and zooms in on things we open... Boo's face is especially hilarious when she opens something she really loves (for example, this year, her very own toy cash register).  There is happiness and laughter.  My older brother and I smile at each other as we watch the younger ones open their gifts.  We understand.

I can't recall if I told y'all, but... My father got laid off this past October, for, it seems, the fifth time in a row.  And right now it seems I can't remember a time when money wasn't tight.  Referring to one of my mom's favorite (yet little known) Christmas movie "Mr. Christmas", my mom says "Santa's given a lot to the war effort", and therefore, "there won't be as big a Christmas this year".

And you know what?

That's perfectly fine with me.  Honestly, off the top of my head, I have everything I need. And most of it, I have to say, isn't material.  Sure, gifts are fun and cool and make Christmas have that extra sparkle... But it's the intangible stuff that really makes it glow.

Last night I went to the traditional candlelight 11pm service at my church.  When the lights went out, and we all sang silent night with our candles lit, everyone was united.  There was no divide.  There was no Democrat or Republican.  There was no straight or gay.  There was no right and wrong.  There was no useless superficiality.  We were just humans, in a space, connected heart to heart, all gathered for the same things: worship, peace, friendship, and love.

It is there the Christmas spirit can be found.

My father, luckily, on his last day of leave without pay, found a job.  My mom, though currently sick right now, is getting better.  My grandmother, after landing in the hospital Christmas Eve, is back home with my uncles enjoying the rest of her holiday.

And me?

I'm just sitting here, counting my blessings, thanking the Lord above for all the miracles he has done, and for all the wonderful things He has put in my life.

So as you take part in your holiday festivities today... and through the New Year... just stop a moment.  Hug the ones you love.  Tell them what they mean to you.  Go the extra mile and share more kindness than usual.  Put others before yourself if for nothing else than to see them happy.

You'll be able to feel the Christmas spirit.  I promise you.

Have a blessed Christmas and happy holidays leading up to the New Year! <3

xoxo