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Christmas, what is it all about anyway? I think with our nation being in a recession, we may actually start remembering the real reason for this wonderful time of the year. We have been so influenced by advertisers and media that we have forgotten that Christmas is about love and not about things. The gift at Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ and we all can be a part of that special gift.

While I do worry about the recession and its effect on our lives, I look forward to a more family centered Christmas. It will be a time to forget the hurrying and scurrying in the crowded stores, and spend hours with loved ones instead. Since you won't be in the shops buying all the expensive toys that are tossed aside in a few weeks, you can start your own Christmas traditions. Why not go for the "twelve days of Christmas" by planning something for each day. I gave up Christmas shopping a few years ago and have not heard any complaints from my family. Following will be some of my ideas. I change them a little each year.

If your children and grandchildren live out of town, send them cards and loving notes each day. Maybe you could include pictures of Christmas past. Since my family is still in my hometown, I will tell you what I have planned. We started the fun and family together theme by going to our church for the Sunday morning choir special and the evening children's program. Just the right touch to begin the season with Joy. One day this week I will have my grandchildren over for dinner and we will talk about how their ancestors celebrated Christmas. They love to hear stories and I will have picture albums for them to look thru.

Our town has a lighting display in our local park that is magical. That will be our next destination. Its free, just a little gas to get there and as we ride thru we can park and eat cookies that I baked. Each person can pick out their favorite light display and tell why they like it so much. If your family is large, take several cars. Its when you park that you are all together.

I have all granddaughters in my family, so I will have a Christmas tea party. I have teapots for each holiday already so there is little expense. They always request cheese balls, veggies and dip and of course, cookies. Not a lot of work or money and we are together for hours talking about what Christmas is about and what our hopes are for other peoples Christmas. I guess you are wondering if we read the Christmas story, that comes at a more special time.

Now there must

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