By Bonnie Brown

Columnist

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!  Did you awake to find coal or candy?  Here’s hoping that you didn’t find any coal in your stocking.  Why would you find coal in your stocking?  A lump of coal was a symbolic gift given to children considered “naughty” by Santa Claus, representing a consequence for naughty behavior, as opposed to the usual presents given to well-behaved children, like toys or candy.  

It seems that we wait forever for Christmas to arrive.  The merchants start rolling out Christmas merchandise before Halloween each year.   When they were young, our two sons Dennis and Jeff became very excited about Christmas the minute the Sears catalog hit the mailbox which featured toys from which they could compile their wish list for Santa.  Children of all ages eagerly await Christmas.  Who doesn’t get excited when you find a gift with your name on it?  

Then there is the excitement of visiting family, neighbors, and friends.  It is a season of happiness and anticipation.  What is it about Christmas that elicits such enthusiasm?  We acknowledge that this is a Christian holiday, and we celebrate the Christ Child.  But the emotions of Christmas are many.  It is a time when we pause briefly and experience a blanket of good feelings towards one another.   People are friendlier, kinder, and more generous during the Christmas season.  It is a time of solicitations from charities because there is not only a great need but because we will likely pause to reflect during this season to acknowledge the needs of our fellow citizens and count our blessings about our own bounty, whatever that may be.    

When I was a child, Santa was very generous to me and my brothers.  We got bicycles and other costly toys, and I often wonder how my parents managed to do that given that we were definitely middle class.  I still have a pearl ring that I received from “Santa” when I was likely old enough to know that Santa wasn’t the one who brought us gifts.  But it is still a well-worn treasured gift and brings a smile when I think of it.  

Christmas is a season of traditions.  For example, we permitted the boys to open a single gift on Christmas Eve.  It was like a teaser of what was to come after Santa’s visit later that night.  My mother-in-law and father-in-law used to bake fruitcakes for family members.  It was a chore, but they loved doing it and the fruitcake did not disappoint. It was delicious!  There are candlelight services at churches, there are special concerts, performances and plays, not to mention all the parades during the Christmas season. Who hasn’t stood outdoors in freezing temperatures to see the local bands and the modest floats to celebrate the season.  Tom and I certainly have.  And lifting your young grandchild so as to get a better view is a most amazing experience that will be long remembered.  What traditions does your family have?  

So, as you welcome the dawn and the screams of delight and excitement, have that cup of coffee to help you greet the day.  It will help lift your spirits to match those of your other family members.  In the event that your family is not close, make that phone call to tell them how much you love them and pass along season greetings.  May you and your loved ones near and far have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!