Just a brief paragraph, here's mine: We grew up not having a lot, but my Mom and Dad made sure we had something to open on Christmas morning. I was thinking back this morning about that, and the fact I have seen my folks every Christmas day of my life, 55 of them now. The wife and I are heading to NC in the morning to spend it with my Mom, and go by the National Cemetery and spend a few minutes with Dad. Mom may not even remember we were there, but we will be. Merry Christmas to all of my Monkey friends!
Merry Christmas to all Monkeys For me Christmas is just that I can relax and rest and eat well so basicly enjoy life once in a year if nothing else
To me personally it's a time for reflection on my relationship with my Creator. It's a time to be thankful for the greatest gift everlasting life bestowed to imperfect and undeserving sinners such as myself. Operationally it's all about meeting everyone else's materialistic expectations and trying to prevent/head off/diffuse the drama associated with those who see things from the materialistic perspective, most of whom never spend a second thinking about the reason this is a Holy Day (root of the work holiday). I do so with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Family and especially children define the pleasure for me. This year Mrs. 3M found some Santa and elf legs that make it look like they are stuck in the tree. We put Santa's hat on top of the tree and are going to tell the youngins coming over tomorrow that Santa and the Head Elf are looking for Santa's hat - can you help him to find it?
Well so far I have received 3 robo calls, feed the cats and cows, washed a load of clothes, emptied the dish washer, took out the garbage, received a Prime delivery, Had my coffee and walked the place wondering where a calf is. But that's all OK as my wife is recovering from planned surgery and she is here beside me. Merry Christmas all and I wish you all the luck I have today.
While Christmas for us is a celebration of several holidays and observances, it IS the ONE holiday the entire family are together! Several of the men (and now Women) in my family missed many holidays, my self included, so we ALWAYS set a place in honor of those who cannot be home, and the Christmas prayer always includes the warriors prayer for a safe return home! This time of year is more then a tree and presents, it about family and friends getting together to celebrate all that we have, and to celebrate our creator! This year will be the first Christmas with out Mom, and its been a rollercoaster of emotions, but, life goes on, and so we celebrate her life, and honor her! Marry Christmas to one and all, may Gods blessings keep you warm and safe, and may his spirit move you in the true meaning of this holy night! To our warriors, my Gods protective hand cover you and guide you in your adventures, and keep you safe from all harm, and may you return home in sound body, mind, and spirit! Bless our soldiers each and every one, know that our family honors them and is eternally grateful for their sacrifice!
Well , as someone who is not really overly religious ,, this is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ ,,, and to be thankful for all we have , our health and our families ,
Christmas is the time of year we think of family and friends. Yeah, we send one of those cards with an 'update' letter inside. Given the sheer size of the extended family + Military buds, it is about the only way we can hope keep our friends and family up to speed. Happily, #2 son is in-country and a former Marine, even better, living in town so we get to see him from time to time. On Christmas day, we have everyone in town over for a brunch and minimal gift exchange. Now that our kisdos are all adults with children of their own, we keep it simple so they can spent more time together as a (nuclear) family. Let me add my wishes for everyone to have a fine Holiday and a wonderful upcoming New Year....
I am thankful Jesus Birth is remembered. I am glad that people get together this time of year and celebrate their families.
For me it was the time to think and pray "let there be world peace " and that for a five year old. At age 10 i realized that wish would never come thru, that was the start of a long and grumpy me. All have a healthy christmas .
Actually, for me and mine, it is a time to help some in need, in my case it is to prove to disabled Vets to know others care about them. Along with the Vets we serve we are (DAV Chapter) building a core group of young vets in the local University. It is my hope that we can form a group of volunteers who can go forth after graduating and renew volunteering as a way of life as they mature and build their families. This way we can teach another generation or 3 that what is most important is not the materialism of today but serving and training others to take care of themselves and their country. This has been a long road for me and with recent conversations in what I am now doing I now know this must be taught at the dinner table and on from the family group to the rest of those in need and willing to help themselves. God Bless America.
For me, its celebrating the birth of our savior. And for the kids... seeing the excitement on the kids' faces on Christmas morning. Afterwards, gathering with family to fellowship and reflect on the many blessings of this past year. I hope y'all safe a safe and Merry Christmas, my fellow monkeys!
It's a day off work and a time to get some rest, smoke a good cigar, and stay off the roads. That's all.
I've gotten to the age where Christmas is largely about so many wonderful memories. This year it's a little bittersweet because I feel like it'll be DH's last Christmas, if not physically then mentally.
The reason for the season is the birth of Jesus, come to live among us and die for us. Also, family and especially children. I love the music, the trees, eggnog, fruit cake, mince-meat pie, Santa, presents, giving to Heifer Project or World Vision, and everything. I don't even mind cleaning up and paying the bills...well, not too much. This year I continued a tradition that I began 30 years ago, on Christmas Morning my great-nephew will discover that some jingle bells have fallen off of Santa's sleigh. I'm sure that they will become a treasured family heirloom, just like the ones his Daddy found 30 years ago.
