12/14/24

It’s All About the Gifts

Right now, I’m sure we have some Christians cracking their knuckles, getting ready to write spirited responses to that headline. Slow your roll there, children of God! Let me explain…

Of course, I realize the significance of Christ in Christmas. It’s a celebration of the savior’s birth, although the historical accuracy of his exact date is something I’ve heard debated often. I wage no wars on Christmas, nor do I ever go around saying “happy holidays.” I’m totally down to give Jesus credit on his birthday.

I also recognize the Pagan significance to the holiday. Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same if we stripped out the Yule tradition of trees, mistletoe, etc. So let’s not kick the vikings out! We need them to do this right.

Circling back to the Christian faith, let’s also not forget the fourth century bishop known for his generosity and secret gift giving. The feel-good stories of St. Nicholas have lasted 1,600 years beyond his death. Over time, with the help of Coke advertising, St. Nicholas morphed into the legend of Santa Claus, who requires no introduction. We all know that story.

The real deal for me

The tradition of decorating the house, Christmas movies, thawing out Mariah Kerry, and thrashing my living room with torn wrapping paper on Christmas day, is about as ‘MERICA as it gets. I love it when the Christmas tree is decorated and lit up, then I see the glow of other trees in neighbors’ windows.

Every year, as I pull out homemade ornaments, I’m reminded of all the previous years of celebration. My kids would take turns every year, putting the star at the top of the tree, while I held them up. Nowadays, they don’t need that boost from Dad, but they still make a big deal over who gets to do it.

Every year, my wife and I stress over how we can afford presents. On Christmas day, all that stress is worth it to see faces light up as kids unwrap them. Even the dog knows what’s up, as he goes looking for his stocking full of treats.

This annual tradition of giving and getting takes me back to when I was a child, making memories with people who are no longer among the living. I can’t tell you much about my daily life when I was five. On the other hand I can tell you all about that Castle Greyskull I got at Christmas. I can still smell that He-Man specific plastic smell. Times like this are little bookmarks of happiness in my life story.

My kids are all full-sized humans now. Only 2 of the 5 are even minors anymore. Even so, we still do presents under the tree every year. When I see a 6-foot tall adult digging into his Christmas stocking, I see that little kid again. At least now, they don’t wake me up at daylight to open presents, although I miss that too.

I can’t wait for grandkids!