Christians are coming out of the closet and finally uttering “Merry Christmas” again. For a number of years, the politically correct demigods have demanded that we be all-inclusive and use the generic “Happy Holidays” so we don’t offend anyone. I’ll admit I bought into the nonsense for some time too. But the reality is, Christmas belongs to Christians. It’s our Holy Day and while we are willing to share it with the world, we shouldn’t have to bow down to those who insist we do our day their way.
I love Christmas for the happy feelings that bubble out of me as I race madly towards December 25th. True, it’s easy to get stressed looking for the perfect gift for my grandson, but it’s pure magic when I spot just the right item and swoop it into the basket. It’s also true, I spend more than I should. I dread the consequences of my excess, but I’m willing to face the music in January just to see his sparkling eyes and the giggle that erupts when he rips open the package and finds that I found exactly what he wanted.
And there’s a deeper magic that happens at Midnight Mass when the congregation join voices and sing the old carols. I shed the chaos that has consumed my life for the last month and spirit finds its way into a heart that is willing to listen to a message of love. Besides the gentle voice of love, sometimes there is pain. Both my parents died at Christmas and I am flooded with memories of Christmases past and those I have lost. Tears are shed for Bea and Bob and my younger brother Rob who died way too soon. I miss you all.
For all my friends who are Buddhists, Wiccans, Taoists, Muslims, atheists, those who celebrate Kwanza, and my fellow Christians, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
KELLY MARSHALL NEWS 