Friday, December 08, 2006

Christmas memories

As I was sitting at work today, people were talking about Christmas. Christmas was really in the air this morning, mainly because the bank had its Christmas party last night and everyone was in the mood. The question came up "What one thing really lets you know that Christmas is here?"

I had to think about that. I would have said snow but hey I live in Texas and snow is rare. Unlike this year when we had several inches on the last day of November. But I digress. Some said their favorite Christmas Show. For example: Rudolph the red nosed reindeer or Charlie Brown's Christmas. I like both of those. But I cannot seem to start the holidays without veiwing "The Muppets Christmas Carol". But was this really the start of the season for me.

After much thought, this is what came to mind. Santa riding down a show covered hill on an electric norelco razor. It was an old commercial that (as research told me today) was always the first commercial shown right after the Thanksgiving Day parade. I will be honest and tell you that I did not come up with that on my own. Someone else mentioned it. But it got me to thinking that I loved that commercial and miss it. It has not been shown in years. But it is a wonderful memory from my childhood.

Christmas is a time to reflect on those memories of family and friends as well as a time to creat new ones. And before I close, I want to share one of mine. Two years ago, on Christmas day, Houston and Galveston got snow. Not a dusting of snow but many inches. My relatives had not had a white Christmas in well over 50 years. Everyone was excited and someone even made a snowman on the beach.

God did an awesome job with the snow because it was one of those unbelievable yet beautiful sights that only God can create. One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to stop and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that come with the holidays and to give thanks to God for giving me those special sights, sounds and smells. I also give thanks to God for creating such special treats.

Create memories this year and praise God for those memories.