Christmas came and went in a flash, didn't it? I have to admit I was having a hard time getting into the "Christmas spirit" this year. Maybe because I am too tired. (I haven't slept the whole night through but twice since the middle of last January.)


On Christmas Eve we went to my in-laws house so that all of the grand kids, my two children included, could open their presents. It was nice. My son and my nephew were both enjoying their first Christmas. They always play with the television remote at my in-laws house so both of the babies received toy remotes. My daughter received some nice clothes from her grandparents. I enjoyed watching the children having a fun time, but it still did not feel like Christmas. I thought maybe I was turning into Scrooge. It seemed like any other day, save the presents part.


At midnight, Christmas morning, the NBC station here aired the Midnight Mass from the Vatican. I watched the entire broadcast and by the Eucharist, tears were rolling down my face. I realized I had been trying to catch some spirit named Christmas when all along I should have been searching out the spirit of Christ. Ultimately it is not about trees and decorations and presents. It is about a child who was born to show humanity a better way. Not only that; we, because of his life, death and resurrection are able to become part of him. We are invited to partake and become part of his body. I am invited to become part of the love and creativity of God. Its amazing. It makes all the other "things" we do during Christmas seem so trivial. With this in mind I determined to focus on the important things and truly enjoy the season.


Christmas day was spent at my in-laws, again. We ate turkey and dressing. I was happy for my mother-in-law, especially, because she was able to spend the day with all four of her sons. After we went home that evening we opened presents at home. The baby was especially fond of a music box that he received and my daughter was excited to have a digital pet. (Evidently it is a stuffed animal that allows one to have access to a virtual world of stuffed animals.) Also on Christmas day I was able to see a friend of mine that I had not seen for a year. It was wonderful. We had both had a baby this year and I enjoyed meeting her baby girl and introducing her to my baby boy.


The following day, Friday, I drove to my Grandmother's house to spend a couple of days with my side of the family. My husband came in late that night because he had to work. It was so nice to see all of my family. My aunt and my cousin had not met the baby yet, so it was extra special. My dad was there as well. He usually has a hard time coming to visit anyone because of his work schedule, so it was really great that he made it. It has been a while since the whole family was together like that. On Saturday we opened presents and ate turkey and dressing. I thought about the most important thing about the "spirit of Christmas"; the love of God. I see the love of God in the faces of my family members. When we love, we are participating in the divine. What a wonderful gift from God. I am so happy to receive this gift; I am so happy to give it.