YES, we need a little Christmas!

So yesterday my teens mentioned they would like it if just once, I tried to buy their love for Christmas.
They claim they are perfectly secure in my SINCERE love for them and that they would really appreciate the opportunity to feel ignored and bribed.
Didn't I have anything I felt guilty enough about to SPEND my way in to their good graces?

It got me to thinking about how much I enjoy the commercialism I see in December.
Not the gadget and toy commercials,
and certainly no the part where I do feel bad that my kids never (EVER THEY ASSURE ME) are the ones people say,"Lucky!" too after Winter break.
But the part where everywhere you turn, neighbors and strangers are all focused on the same thing. Every Santa reminds me of what the human spirit really wants, unconditional love.
All the shoppers are simply trying to express there care for others in the best way they know how. Sure some of them could use some polish,
but I try to see it for what they are trying to achieve.
Isn't that what Santa sees in us?

My daughter asked me if I thought she was on the naughty or the nice list this year.
I asked her where she thought she ended up?
"Well, I would have been on the naughty list, but I repented."

I love that sentiment.
Christmas is about just that,
as hard as we try, and fail,
The Lord genuinely makes a place for each of us on the nice list.
His true Gift is freely given.
May each of us find that joy in the lights, trees,
parties, santas, and tacky sweaters all around us.