A Christmas Message

In the northern hemisphere, December is the twelfth month of the year and is usually considered the first month of winter. It is also very well known for the festive holiday season of Christmas.

For me, the full excitement of the holiday season begins when Wee College gears up for the annual children’s Christmas concerts.  These concerts can immediately put you into the holiday spirit by watching a group of friendly toddlers enthusiastically singing while dressed in snowmen costumes melting before your eyes. Or bringing on the joy through watching a group of proudly independent, dramatic school-age children performing classics such as; “Oliver Twist” to an audience who just enjoyed a deliciously prepared turkey dinner.

Yet what is Christmas really about?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxuqbh2tjTs

Wikipedia describes, the “true meaning of Christmas” in a long fact-filled definition and although it may be accurate, the spirit is lost in the words.
I enjoy the “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” as a good reference for capturing the spirit of Christmas where a reclusive Grinch who hates Christmas sets out to deprive the Whos of Whoville, their favorite holiday, by sneaking into town and stealing everything associated with Christmas; from the feast, toys, gifts, decorations to the a small tree festively decorated. Yet, he learns that the spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than toys and tinsel.  The depth is in the people of Whoville who understand and get it right; they care and value each other as family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8J-YmVs1j0

Christmas is about spending time with family, sharing, caring and giving.  Christmas provides a dedicated time to create memoires where laughter and smiles abound.  A time where we do not reflect on the presents exchanged each year yet on the ones we love and hold dear. It is a time to share gratitude for all those in your life that you value and cherish. A time to create and cherish moments of tradition from decorating a tree, baking grandma’s special holiday pies, driving through neighbourhoods to see brightly strung lights, standing in the cold and sipping hot chocolate while watching the Christmas parade of lights, gathering together for the candlelight Christmas Eve service, a time to enjoy any event that families gather together to share in.

If you do not have your own family traditions, it might be fun to start this year.  I am including a list of ideas which may inspire.

1. Attend a Wee College Christmas concert near you.
2. Contribute to the Greater Moncton Turkey Drive.
3. Provide helping hands for the Moncton Head Start Toy Drive.
4. Host a kids’ Christmas cookie decorating party.
5. Have a family and friends tree decorating party.
6. Have a family entertainment night, featuring acts by family members.
7. Attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service.
8. Enjoy a Christmas morning family brunch.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the meaning it brings.

Love,

Melody