Christmas

Cards, picking the perfect gift for each person on your list, making sure all the right people are on your list (we don't want to forget anyone), cookies, decorating, scheduling time with family on both sides, wrapping, traveling, packing for traveling; oh the stress of Christmas.

The fun of receiving actual mail from far-off friends, driving around enjoying the decorated houses and all of the lights, giggles as gaily wrapped packages are stacked beneath the tree, shrieks of joy when a desired gift is opened, the amazed silence when an unexpected perfect gift is unveiled, the aroma of fresh baked cookies, the sighs of satisfaction at the first bite of a delicious dish,
the belly laughs that bring tears over cups of coffee late at night in the kitchen with the "women-folk", thumps of grandkids' footsteps as they play around the house, shredded wrapping paper strewn all over the floor, sharing games and laughter with cousins, numerous nativities in each room of the house with the Babe laying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes; oh the joy of Christmas!

The Joy of Christmas will always outweigh the stress.  On one level we are glad it is over and things can get back to normal, but on another, we miss the celebration of Christmas with all the pagentry, carols, and fuss.  We are disappointed we must wait for an entire year before we can do it again.

The Babe in the manger does not go away because the year has ended.  He grew into a Man who sacrificed Himself for me.  He is always with us no matter what time of year it is.