Let the Christmas season begin!

I guess that the Christmas season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. But for me, it began weeks ago. I fought the urge to put up the Christmas decorations at the end of October only because I didn't want people to think I was too strange. I lasted until the 3rd week of November. I admire my restraint.


Of all years to be in the festive mood, this was not the year financially to do it. In this year - the "YEAR OF LIVING OFF SAVINGS UNTIL SOCIAL SECURITY KICKS IN" - I want to buy more lights, more garland, more Christmas bulbs, more everything. But for the sake of paying bills and eating, I'm settling for what I have.

Next year should see my mother and I settled in our new home in Tennessee. I already have started decorating in my head for next year. Next year I see a real tree of undetermined size. I see some home made ornaments on the tree. I see greenery, garlands with clear lights all over. I see a little tree in my bedroom and a Christmas quilt on the bed.

As these visions of sugar plums and lights dance in my head, I have to remind myself not to set aside the present in favor of the future. This year, although money is tight, the spirit of Christmas is alive in our home. I am reminded of Jesus, our Savior whose birthday we celebrate on December 25th. He is the reason that we celebrate. All the tinsel and lights in the world do not begin to compare with the light in my life since I came to know Him.

It's going to be a good Christmas.