The smells of pumpkin pie, cinnamon and turkey linger through our house every Christmas. Laughter from family, children’s giggles and old stories can be heard in the air during the holiday season. It’s a time of year that fills my heart full of happiness!
But, as much as I enjoy the holidays it bothers me to see Christmas decorations set out in store fronts before Halloween is even over. I walked into a store in October to see Christmas trees trimmed and a sign that read: ‘Merry Christmas.’ “What about Thanksgiving,” I thought. Why must we rush through life so quickly? Why don’t people slow down to enjoy the meaning of the season?
The hustle of running around town, finding the perfect gifts and spending a fortune makes my head spin. I know I’m not alone in this feeling. I was assured that many years ago while Christmas shopping with my parents. My dad pointed out to me, “Look at all these people – do they look happy to you?”
I stopped and looked at all the Christmas shopper’s faces and saw what my dad had been watching – STRESS!
My dad has always had a way of seeing what others don’t. Then, he proceeded to sing, “Ho, Ho, Ho – everyone’s insane, Merry Christmas!” My mother and I had to laugh at him. There is not a bashful bone in my dad’s body. He and I share that trait, but at the time I remember thinking, “Oh no, here he goes.”
But then, I started watching all those Christmas shoppers and they begun smiling at him. Others began laughing and then shaking their heads in agreement to his statement. Mom and I proceed in shopping and dad would muster the words from time to time throughout the day, each time making people laugh and smile. My dad never sweats the small stuff and he and my mom have both instilled this in me. Christmas presents are small stuff, the family memories and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas are what’s important.
Now, that my husband and I have our own family we strive to focus on what’s important each Christmas, like making good wholesome memories with our son and ensuring that when he is older he knows why the “Christ” is in Christmas and the importance of family bonds.
This Christmas don’t forget to take time to remember the meaning of this special season. I wish your family cherished memories, and a home full of holiday scents, like this family favorite recipe.
This Holiday Sweet Tater Casserole is one of my favorite dishes to make at Christmas. There is never a spoonful left, even the youngsters go back for seconds. The key is to use butter and top the sweet potatoes with Missouri grown pecans or walnuts that have already been toasted in the oven to release the nut’s oils.
Wishing your family a Merry Christmas and a safe and memorable New Year…
