Merry Christmas!

Well, the holidays have arrived. Now is the time to sit back and enjoy the season. The shopping (hopefully) is done. The tree and house are both decorated. And, the Christmas dinner is planned and ready to cook. So now, turn off the all of the lights in the house. Turn on the Christmas tree lights. Cue the music and enjoy the quiet time of Christmas.

Now is the time when thoughts of Christmas past come rushing into my brain. Several times, this past week, I have told my wife about the aluminum Christmas tree my family had. It lasted only a couple of years. And with the passage of time, the ugliness is forgotten and I now know that was a beautiful tree! The silver of aluminum spinning on a music stand, playing that symphonic rendition of “Jingle Bells,” the color wheel spinning blue, green, red shades on the shimmering aluminum; if you look beyond the nauseously garish decorations, it had to be a beautiful tree.

The more important traditions also come to mind. Many years ago, long before I was even a cognizant being, Uncle Jack Brubaker made Dad two Christmas tree ornaments out of walnuts. Every year, to this day, those walnuts hang on the tree. Often they hang right in front, at eye level, so that everyone can see them. Both Dad and Uncle Jack have died, but generations of Brubakers remember these two men that loved each other and loved their families. Those two tree ornaments are more than simply walnut decorations.

The traditions and memories we have accumulated with our families, these are important details to think about during the season. So, take some time in the next few days. Sit back and enjoy the memories of holidays past. Think about the traditions for a few moments.

And finally, have a safe and happy holiday season.