Christmas is here once again. Shopping is on the minds of all, going down the list, marking off each loved one after selecting the perfect gift. With the loved one in mind you carefully pick something they may like. The malls filled with Christmas music to add to the cheer.
      It is magical, as Christmas nears everyone seems a little happier, a little nicer. If but for awhile all troubles seem to fade, or at least lessen. It has always been my favorite time of year, my favorite holiday. The cold air inviting simply because it feels like Christmas. Living in Texas, snow is always listed on the wish list. A rare treat, so when it does happen I feel as though it is a Christmas present from God.
      On Christmas Eve, my entire family, grandparents, Mom and Dad, my sister, uncles, aunts, and cousins would gather around Papaw and Mamaw’s Christmas Tree. The living room floor became a sitting place as one by one the gifts were handed out. The sounds of wrapping paper being ripped and torn could be heard, and eventually the pretty paper created a pile in a selected area. With gifts exposed, each showed off what they had received. This was a special time. I don’t think we could have grasp just how special, how precious it actually was.
      Right on cue for as long as I can remember, when time came to go home Papaw would say “You better go get in bed so Ol’ Clause can come!” It had become such a tradition that he was still warning me of Santa’s arrival well into my 20’s! Looking back, I know Papaw was the one who made it “Christmas Time” for me. It was his favorite holiday as it was mine. All through Christmas at any given moment he would start singing “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”. He would use it as a reminder to us grandkids to be on good behavior.
      On Christmas Morning my sister, Shelly would come wake me, saying “It’s Christmas!“. While our parents were still sleeping she would go get the presents from beneath the tree and bring them to my bed so I could see what Santa had left (she was too little to transfer me to my wheelchair). Then she would place them back in their spot under the tree and we would act surprised when Mom and Dad woke. Even when she was a teen she would run into my room and jump on my bed, saying “Wake up! It’s Christmas!”.
      Since Papaw has gone to be with the Lord, Christmas has been somewhat bitter-sweet. Christmases haven’t been the same without him. Yes, we still gather as a family, but each in their own timing, always coming and going. Things change and nothing ever remains the same. Except, that is, one thing… It is indeed still my favorite holiday because it celebrates my Savior’s birth.
      As you go about this Christmas Season, remember that the best gift you can give is yourself. Is it not just what God Himself did? Worry less about gifts which can be bought and consider more the gifts which keep giving — your memories. On Christmas Eve, perhaps if I’m very quiet I will hear Papaw’s voice say “You better go get in bed so you will be one day closer to Jesus’ return!”