Monday, December 7, 2009




Almost 51 years ago, I celebrated my first Christmas.  I am sure that day was a happy occasion filled with lots of food and drink, lots of family and lots of gift giving.  This picture I have posted is of my siblings, myself and my cousin John, who is one month older than me.  I am sitting on the lap of my oldest sister Judy and to our left is my sister Nila, who was 2 at the time and my brother David, age 6.
Our Christmas celebration lasted probably 3 or 4 days, maybe a week sometimes, and now that I look back on it, I don’t remember the true meaning of Christmas ever being shared during that time.  I wonder at what age I finally knew that this day was celebrated because of the birth of Jesus Christ.  I was raised in the Catholic Religion so I know that when I was old enough to understand what was happening at Church I knew what Christmas was about, but before then puzzles me.
In raising my step children and my own children, it was always about the birth of Jesus.  We, as a family, went to church, my children were involved in Christmas programs at church and we prayed together as a family, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Sure there were presents and food and family but the meaning was there, the Celebration of the Birth of Christ was and is the reason for the holiday.
This Christmas will be different in the sense that it will probably just be my boys, their dad, my mom and I.  There will be food, there will be family, there may be a few gifts but the reason for the season, JESUS, will be in our hearts and in our home.

3 comments:

Mishel said...

What a lovely post. Without Christ there'd be no reason to celebrate! I'm thankful to see that you too know Him as your personal Savior! Merry CHRISTmas, Lilli!

Amy B said...

I love the reminder of your post. I have made sure Cole knows why we are even having a Christmas....and this year we will be making a birthday cake for Jesus. I think the reality of that will sink in and each year we will continue to just that.
Merry Christmas ..my sweet friend.

maryellen said...

What a wonderful post. It is refreshing everytime I hear someone celebrating the birth of Christ and not just gift giving. You my friend are a special person. I hope you have a Happy Holiday season knowing Jesus is in your heart.