Christmas is here, and all the children are running on adrenaline. I remember that feeling well. School is almost out for the holiday break, and kids are counting the days. In each of our magazines, we celebrate the holidays in different ways. We feature fun Christmas outfits to make in Classic Sewing, delicious treats in Bake from Scratch, and divine decorations in Cottage Journal, Southern Lady, and Victoria. The other magazines are filled with entertaining ideas, dinner party recipes, and tea celebrations. There are so many ideas, it’s hard to choose which ones I love the best. It’s all about celebrating the way we love best.
Coming from a year of being confined, all of us feel life is beginning again, even though we still have the virus to contend with. I think we live differently now than we did before. I learned that being quiet and staying in is very nice. Being content with ourselves and what we are surrounded with is peaceful. A dear friend said to me that she loved her life as it was and misses it terribly. I think we all feel that way, too. One thing is for sure: Each day is unpredictable, isn’t it?
My greatest joy is seeing the holiday sparkle in children’s eyes. I love the choir programs at church, where they are singing their little hearts out dressed in special outfits. I wish we could capture that innocence for a long time. It’s so important to let children be children. The giggles and laughter, the smiles, and hugs are all a part of being a child. And don’t forget to put a dot of cookie icing on their little noses. It creates a moment that will not be forgotten.
We have a wonderful man at our church known as the candy man. He always hands me a peppermint for a smile. He only rewards smiles. I think he is very special and brings a moment of joy whenever I see him.
I hope our lives are such that when people encounter us, they have a moment of joy. I can only imagine the moment of joy at the manger when the shepherds saw the Christ child. That moment of joy was celebrated with a magnificent star over the manger. What a wondrous night when the quiet, calm darkness was interrupted with the greatest gift ever. Merry Christmas to you, and may you create joyful moments for those around you.