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Christmas 2004
12-24-04
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Here's our Christmas tree glowing on the night before Christmas. I’ve always liked looking at Christmas lights. I like the way they make colors glow in the darkness. Ever since I was little, I liked to sometimes take a few minutes at the end of the day and just watch the warm, soft glow of the lights shining through the tree. It changes the long cold winter night into something special and magical. I really enjoy celebrating Christmas with my kids. They experience the magic of a season that sometimes adults have forgotten. It’s good to be around people who get excited about special holidays. Perhaps there’s a somewhat mercenary tone to the anticipation of presents, but even the desire for presents isn’t necessarily bad. It can be an opportunity to enjoy sharing good things with each other. Here’s my family opening our presents. |
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I like being around children who anticipate good things
coming into their lives. I disagree
with people who think presents and fun detract from the meaning of
Christmas. I believe that everything
in life that is hopeful and joyful should be celebrated. The original Christmas is a gift from God,
and every kind of gift, whether of things or of people, can be an opportunity
to celebrate the goodness that is given to our lives. The world could certainly use a little
more hope and joy. |
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We had our Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, because
Daniel would be with Rene’ on Christmas Day itself. Later in the day, we had a big dinner together, and Daniel sang
in the children’s choir at the Christmas Eve mass. |
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A couple days after Christmas, I was talking to one of
Michael’s teenage friends, who said that he wished he could just get rid of
all the decorations because he didn’t like to be reminded of Christmas. I asked him why, and he said it was
because of the bad memories he had of his parents fighting at Christmas. For myself, I have many happy memories of
Christmas and other family times together.
So I want to give a huge thank-you to my parents, my brothers,
my grandparents, my former housemates and all of the people who have left me
with fond memories of holidays shared together. And a thank you to my kids for happy times created today. |
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Picture Gallery:
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Click here for more pictures of our three Christmas trees and other decorations. |
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