Christmas was like the smell of fresh wood burning in the fireplace.
of warmth filling the air, warming not only the room, but also the souls of the people who .
occupied it. Christmas was the doorway to happiness, family togetherness, and special .
memories. This particular holiday was much loved and looked forward to by everyone .
who knew of its existence. Some people looked forward to the taste of mashed potatoes, .
along side a marinated turkey and some hot gravy. People couldn't wait to get their two-.
week vacation, and to leave behind all the hustle and bustle of school and the workplace. .
Then there were those many people like me, who just couldn't wait to feel the .
presence of the family, together at a meal. Sitting and chatting of what was going on in .
each other's lives, and also of the natural well being of one another. When dinner was .
over, gathering around the Christmas tree and singing all the traditional Christmas carols, .
while aunt Sheila played a tune on the grand piano. .
Christmas also paints the picture in my mind of sneaking out of bed and crawling .
down the stairs, just to get one little glance at what lie beneath that beautiful ornament .
splashed wrapping paper. It also brings memories of being intimidated by the strong .
presence of that old evergreen which stood tall and dark casting a shadow upon me when .
walked past it.
In each store there was a blowout sale, attracting eager shoppers from left and .
right. The only assurance, that it was in-deed Christmas. People swarming in and out of .
the shops, like busy bees going to and from their hives.
I also recall the memory of my early childhood. Looking through the window at .
the clouds in the sky, seeing the snow angels dancing down from the heavens, singing in .
sweet harmony that Christmas was arriving. .
Although this is the better half of Christmas, there is also a downside to what .
Christmas may bring with its arrival. Many people tend to take the Christmas spirit to .
