From the time I was a child able to recall the scents of Christmas until today I have always enjoyed the excitement and anticipation that comes with Christmas.
Growing up in the lower mainland of British Columbia, we did not always have nature bless us with snow for the holiday, but it never seemed to matter as the season and birth of Jesus was felt and experienced more so in the heart rather than with the weather.
My childhood memories of travelling an hour to church to attend Christmas Eve midnight mass, the red and green paper chains made from construction paper, strings of popcorn, the burlap wall hanging we made in school, twinkling lights and the smell of Christmas baking, forever remain embedded in my mind, and heart, and released with even the slightest hint of the holidays. It is amazing how a certain smell or sight will engage the brain to release a memory decades old.
I suppose having said that, my favourite way to enjoy Christmas is by being surrounded by the significant people in my life, those that have contributed to making me the person I am today. Besides the spiritual celebration, I also enjoy being outdoors appreciating God's creation through enjoying wildlife, birds, the landscape, sunsets, sunrises, snow glistening in the sun, going for walks, cross-country skiing and making snow angels.
Snow angels and snowmen hold a special place in my heart. These can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are no age restrictions for making them or enjoying them. It is not uncommon to be walking alongside me then, poof, I drop to the ground to make a snow angel there is so much fun in it, a childish, harmless fun.
Today, our lives are so full of menial tasks, modern technology and replacement caregivers such as computer games, CDs, DVDs, cellular telephones and so much more. Installation of DVD players in vehicles has even replaced the once-enjoyed road trip games that posed mental challenges to us.
Unfortunately, it has led us to a world where we think too much and feel too little. We must embrace and nurture the love of humanity that we have in our hearts. Remember, we were all born of innocence. There was no hatred, racism, jealousy, envy, anger or disrespect in our hearts, those are all learned habits. I challenge many of you to take the initiative and do random acts of kindness this holiday season. Pay for someone's meal, help someone out who is struggling with change at the checkout, pay a parking fee for someone, open doors, be kind and smile. Whatever you do, do it with sincerity and love. I wish you all the most blessed, safe holiday season.
