Well, all vestiges of Christmas have finally been banished to plastic crates and containers.  Putting away all the festive embellishments of the season always makes me sad, but it was made easier this year by the fact the outside temperature is 76 degrees!  Now that things are settling down, I've time to reflect on the past Christmas season and post my thoughts on "Christmas Magic"

        I cried Christmas night. Perhaps it was from sheer exhaustion…trying to make the holidays special for too many people.  Perhaps it was the realization that our children are growing, and it gets harder to surprise them each year. It could be a combination or even a hormonal imbalance (I’m over 40 you know.) But I’m beginning to wonder:   Could it be disappointment?  Could it be that my inner child still longs for and misses the “magic” of Christmas?  The wonderfully enchanting expectation of the season?  (Perhaps this stems from the purely selfish anticipation of Santa and surprises under the tree. But let’s be truthful, who doesn’t enjoy a special gift?)

        The Christmas Story itself is a wondrous, “magical” tale of Royalty, danger, love, the unimaginable becoming reality… “God with us”.  It even provides a surprise ending…death and resurrection. And though we hold this Story dear, it is the same story every year.  Can we admit we want something new… a confirmation that miracles still happen?  A sign that God is still with us?  (A surprise or two wouldn’t hurt, either.)

        While drifting off to sleep I pondered this “Christmas Magic” and how it had eluded me one more year. I was beginning to understand why many elderly no longer get excited about the season - they’ve lost their sense of expectancy.  Yet suddenly, a new light shone on my thoughts, and I realized (much like the Grinch) that Christmas’ magic had indeed touched my life, just not in the way I expected.

        It was in…

        …the invitation to dine with friends at a Japanese restaurant…a place I’d never been before.  I didn’t even have to pay.

        …“together” time DD14, MIL, and I had fulfilling DD14’s Christmas wish to go on a shopping spree, and it was in going through the “hobbit door” to dine at the Mellow Mushroom.

        …the sound of my 17 year-old rock “star” singing Christmas Carols in Liturgical Latin, and hearing that same son say, “I thought I would buy things people will actually like this year.”

        …baking cookies with DD10 to give as Christmas gifts.

…the overwhelming responses I received regarding the “Christmas Bear” ornaments. 

        …the unexpected gifts from friends.

        …the hug of an elderly gentleman happy to be remembered at Christmas time.

        …the joy of watching my daughters dance for the Lord at a nursing home during Christmas Holidays.

        ….the love of DD10 who spent nearly all her Christmas money making sure Mom and Dad had surprises Christmas morning.

        …going to Old London with DD14 to catch a glimpse of old Ebenezer Scrooge on his most critical night.

        …being together on our Family Christmas Day eating out, going to the movies, doing a service project, shooting firecrackers, and hunting for presents – together. 

        …a husband who drives all over God’s creation looking for a stranger’s home to deliver gifts to – without complaining.

        …the laughter at my parents’ house as the entire family sat around the living room listening to DS17 share his wit…he was at his best.

        …my step-father-in-law’s comment, “That smoked, fried turkey is just for you.  I know how much you like it.”

        …the carols at my home church Christmas morning amid memories of Christmases past, and in finally singing “O Holy Night” as a special (a desire since my youth).

        …the note left by my dear husband: “I love you, and I appreciate everything you do.”

        I’ve finally realized the real “magic” of Christmas comes subtly in special moments scattered throughout the season.  Treasures to be unwrapped and savored slowly - cherished one at a time.  To the undiscerning they may not seem extraordinary at all, but then again, to most of those living in Bethlehem neither did that Baby in the manger. 

        May the “magic” continue throughout 2006.    

© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2005