Remembering Christmas

I am not sure when Christmas, as I know it today came about, but I am certain that I don't like it.

In Georgia when I was growing up Christmas had a different meaning and a different feeling.
We did not spend weeks and weeks of shopping and buying.

Generally, we went to work, went to school and hoped that old Saint Nick would bring us at least one toy that we wanted. We did a lot of baking -- cakes, cookies, bread, and candy.

There was no Black Fridays or Cyber Mondays.

There was lots of holiday cheer, and on Christmas Day when we went to visit friends and relatives we would say "Christmas Cheer!" The response was always "Give it here, " and you would be given apples, oranges, nuts, fruitcake or some other goody that was always the best in the world.

Today, we measure Christmas by the amount we spent on a present or presents, how big our Christmas tree was, and whether it was live or artificial.

Growing up, you went out in the woods and cut your own tr if you had a tree at all.

Santa Claus did not wear a red suit. Mr. Brock wore what he had and went around the neighborhood making children happy or scared, depending on your take on his visit.

Times were simpler. Depression was rare. Children were thankful for what they received, and parents blessed the day.
We, the children would practice for months our parts in the Christmas play which would be the highlight of the season. We all wanted to be our best. The choir would sing Christmas Carole that Ms. Janie Brownlee had taught us.
No, the good ole days were not perfect, but the reason for the season was not lost in commercial advertising and buying.

Neighbors were true neighbors, and they took care of the sick and shut in.

Peace and goodwill toward everyone were real even when race relations were tenuous. Not every White person hated Blacks, and not all Blacks were perceived as stupid, lazy, and incompetent. Most depended on each other for survival.
No life was not a bed or roses in Georgia when I was growing up, but it was not the scary times that we live in now. I am not sure that people today actually believe in Christmas or even what it represents.

My grandson told me a few days ago that he like to play gospel music in his car while he drives for Lyft. I thought that was cool. Then he told me that most of his passengers ask him to turn it off or find something worth listening to on the radio.

It's the holiday season! DA? For me, Christmas is not Christmas without Christmas music, good food, family, and good company. If I don' hear Nat King Cole singing The Christmas Son, Christmas has not started. Heaven help me if I don't hear Charles Brown singing Please Come Home for Christmas, and of course, I NEED to listen to the old Christmas Carole that we always sing at home.

I think the death of my Mother in 1993 stole the magic of Christmas for me, at least as I remembered it from Georgia. Since then, I have been able to sit back and see how shallow the season has become for most. I don't blame anyone for Christmas becoming one of the most commercialized days of the entire year.

People go into debt that is truly unbelievable. Most cannot afford it, but they want to feel good, and they believe that buying things make them feel good, at least until the bills come in in January.

No, I am not the Grinch, but Christmas for me is not how much I spend on everyone. Christmas for me is how much I can give to everyone my love and my service. If I had to prove my love with presents, I would be in a world of trouble.
Today, on Christmas Eve, I want my family, friends, and yes, my enemies to know that I wish them the best this world can offer. I wish them peace, love, and true happiness not just during this season, but all year long.

For those who may not believe in Christmas, but in something else, I wish you the blessings of what this season means to you.

Being a woman of faith, I choose to believe in the birth of Christ Jesus, and even though we do not know when that occurred, I take time out during this season that has been set aside to give thanks for Jesus' birth.

My faith, some days is all I have, and if we are of different mindsets or beliefs, I am alright with that. I promise not to trample on your faith and ask the same of you as I practice my beliefs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who celebrate Christmas, and may the true meaning of this season rest and abide with you.

(NOTE: Hometown peeps, I remember Christmas in Screven, GA, and I am glad that we had them. Not sure how they are celebrated now, but those Christmas plays were the best ever!)

Peace and blessings always.