What does Christmas mean to you? Those of us who are a little older can remember a simpler time when we were not so busy shopping and rushing around. It was a time for family and friends to come together and just enjoy each other. Some families took advantage of the tree farms and took a Saturday or Sunday and drove out to pick out a real tree, have a cup of hot chocolate and maybe enjoy a hayride together. Others went to the local real tree stand and picked out their Christmas tree as a family. Some of us popped popcorn and strung it on the tree along with the children's crafts from school. We got together with old and new friends and just enjoyed the comraderie. We ate too much and forgot about our diets for this special season.

Today you see signs on people's lawns saying "Christmas is about Christ" It is about Baby Jesus' Birthday and even if you are not religious, you know that it is a Season of Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness. Let's all stop for a few minutes and enjoy the moments!

My wife read me a message on facebook the other day about a parent wish and I was so impressed, I would like to share it with those of us who did not read it. Most of us have material things but what do we really want? This, I believe says it all. If you are not a parent most of this can be applied to friends. When all is said and done, "Life is truly all about relationships!"

“My children ask each year the same question. After thinking about it, I decided I’d give them my real answer: What do I want for Christmas? I want you. I want you to keep coming around. I want you to bring your kids around. I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help.

“I want you to come over and rant about your problems, rant about life, whatever. Tell me about your job, your worries, your kids, your fur babies. I want you to continue sharing your life with me. Come over and laugh with me, or laugh at me — I don’t care. Hearing you laugh is music to me.

“I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way I knew how, and I’m not bragging, but I did a pretty darn good job. Now, give me time to sit back and admire my work. I’m pretty proud of it.

“Raid my refrigerator, help yourself. I really don’t mind. In fact, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I want you to spend your money making a better life for you and your family. I have the things I need. I want to see you happy and healthy.

“When you ask me what I want for Christmas, I say ‘nothing’ because you’ve already been giving me my gift all year. I want you.”

I believe that most of us would agree that this is truly all we want for Christmas.


May you and yours enjoy this Christmas season. Peace on earth and good will to all mankind. God bless.