My Christmas Wish

So Christmas is just around the corner and I thought I would write just a little to project a few thoughts and emotions.

The first thing that is ever most in my thoughts is my first Christmas without my Dad. Even though we were many miles apart for the last few Christmases we were never far apart emotionally. Now I find myself even more connected emotionally and that can be both good and challenging. I will just need to focus on the positive and not the loss but that’s sometimes easier said than done.

I am beginning to learn the real secret of surviving the holidays and it is, for me at least, to ignore the commercial side. I used to find myself getting annoyed at all the commercial aspects of this time of year but the last couple I find myself focusing primarily on what I feel is important. Those things would be my God, my family and my friends. Gifts, cards and things, while nice, are fleeting. God, family and friends are not. I am blessed to have a terrific family not the least of which is my loving wife. I am the man I am because of her. She puts up with all my church endeavors as well as my many quirks. I have a wonderful daughter, 2 special sons and a great step-son as well as an extended family to be proud of. So I don’t care if Wal-Mart is open until the end of time selling everything under the sun. It will have absolutely no impact on what I have and what is important.

I find myself these days when I am near a Mall (I know not a smart place to be) getting less annoyed at the frenzied, panicking, rude shoppers and actually looking at them as a source of comedic relief. While the crowds sometimes make me look for the nearest exit it is more the physical loss of oxygen than any other reason.

So lighten up everyone. I know, I say that but it won’t change anyone who doesn’t have the will to change. My one wish for everyone is that this season makes you refocus on the important things. Enjoy the season for what it’s worth but don’t place too much stock on the “things” associated with it….they will be gone long before the people that get them. Merry Christmas all…and a blessed 2011!