My Favorite Time of the Year

For both Shannon and I, Christmas has special meaning. We both love all the trappings that come along with it - the decorations, the tree, the lights the crispness to the winter air - all of it. I just said to her the other day "Sweetie, when we have kids, I think that we should go all out for Christmas with the decoration".

This I think is an admirable goal, but one that I will be relying on Shannon for somewhat in the future to push me along with. I'll admit, I sometimes do things in a somewhat half assed manner. Currently, that is how the decorations are in the house - The tree is up, but the colored lights are in a pile next to it, needing to be restrung, and approximately 5 ornaments are on it. The lights are on the front of the house, but I haven't found the ones for the bushes yet.

I think that part of the problem is that in my head I want the Hollywood depiction of Christmas - the two story Colonial with the wreath on the door, icicles hanging from the eves, snow on the ground, and twinkling lights shining everywhere, producing that otherworldly glow that pulls us out of the mundane dreariness of Winter, and transforms it into something magical. The problem is that we live in Arizona. We don't get snow, Colonials, icicles or any of the other aspects that tell us that the best time of year is nearly upon us. We had 90 degree weather 3 weeks ago. Sure, its in the mid 60's now during the day, and it gets pretty dang cold at night, but I feel like a part of me is absolutely starved for "Real Christmas", even if what I feel like should be "real" is in fact not something that has ever been real to me. In my experience this form of Christmas has only existed on the screen, and in my head.

I understand that the point, and the true meaning of Christmas is not found in the decorations, or in the tree, or the lights, but is rather supposed to be wrapped up in the mystery and wonder of a tiny baby sent by God, who is God, come to save us all, and how we celebrate His coming with our family and friends. I'm not disappointed with my Christmas experiences in life - far from it, as they are some of my favorite memories. Yet someday I would love to have the whole package, and be able to provide that experience to my future children.