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That's Life: The Joys of ChristmasBy Phyllis McGuire - December 23, 2007
I just read a recent newspaper column focusing on all the "dreadful" traditions one must endure at Christmas time.
You know, "bah, humbug stuff." And I feel compelled to write about some of the joys of Christmas.
It is true, as noted in that column, that Christmas does not transform us into perfect people, and we experience hectic hours and mishaps trying to make Christmas a holiday to be remembered fondly.
But just watching a child gaze in awe at a Christmas tree, or hearing a child gleefully announce as he runs to presents beneath the tree, "There's the fire engine I wanted," makes Christmas worth any trouble we have endured.
And what Christian's heart does not grow warm at the glorious sound of a choir singing, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."
I have seen people who are considered hard-hearted smile as they watched children performing in a Christmas pageant.
At a Christmas Mass I attended in New York a few years ago, a child portraying the Virgin Mary was carrying the "Baby Jesus" down the center aisle of the church. When the baby began to cry, she said, "Shhh, Johnny, we are in church." A parishioner sitting next to me whispered, "He's her brother, and only a month old."
Though parents may grumble about having to watch "The Little Drummer Boy" again - at their toddlers' insistence - most of them like the Christmas cartoons and movies that appear on TV this time of year. They simply are embarrassed to admit it.
As for being politically correct, I prefer to forget that phrase and to remember Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. So I sing out "Merry Christmas" or even "Blessed Christmas" to my Christian friends.
And if you really want to enjoy Christmas, see it through the eyes of a child - either the child that still dwells within you, or the little ones you are with on Christmas.
Phyllis McGuire of Williamstown is an occasional contributor to iBerkshires. She wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! |
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