Do you believe in Christmas?

I’m one of those loons who wish for a white Christmas – but not so much that people are injured because of the snow – but the fun let’s play stuff. I don’t want anyone in the hospital for Christmas because they had a heart attack from clearing snow.

Now for my question.  Do you believe in Christmas? Wow, that can be a loaded question – for some! My belief has always been celebrating Christmas is being with family and friends and enjoying the companionship. I feel it is a blessing to be with those I love and cherish – especially since some are not around…for various reasons. I celebrate the gift of love and pray for peace. It’s watching kids have fun and the wonder on their faces. Just as I still believe in the spirit of Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus what ever one wishes to call the basic core feeling/belief. You may be thinking, well Liz you can do that any time. You’d be right, because the feeling/spirit of Christmas should be year round.

Let me share with those of you who may not know the original story of St. Nicholas or Father Christmas as some call him. In the 4th century (despite being living in a time where Christians were ruthlessly persecuted) Bishop Nicholas of Myra became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. It was said that he came from a wealthy family and he wanted to help those in need. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas’ life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

Depending on your beliefs, Jesus Christ was merely a prophet and a good man. To some, like me, our religious beliefs tell us he was the Son of God. Either way, for his deeds, and the good He inspired people like Bishop Nicholas of Myra and many others to do throughout the centuries, you really can’t fault a belief that names a season Christmas.

So, yikes I got very serious here! But to me celebrating those I cherish, the companionship of friends and family, watching kids have fun and the wonder on their faces, eggnog, cookies, snow, and all that stuff – you bet I’m a happy camper it’s Christmas time!!

I wish for you all to have a wonderful time doing what ever it is you do this time of year. And now I’m greedy and/or nosey – Do you believe in Christmas?

P.S.: Do you know the etymology of the word Christmas?

• The word Christ stems from the Middle and Old English word Crist meaning the anointed one, the Lord’s Anointed.  It is borrowed from the Latin Christus and from the Greek Christos also meaning the anointed one.  The Greek is a translation of Hebrew mashiah meaning anointed of the Lord or Messiah.  In the word Christmas, the suffix mas evolves from the Old English word maesse meaning festival, feast day or mass.  (Source: All Experts ~ expert: Carol Pozefsky – 12/17/2003)

So folks, this is a festival, a feast day. Not a day to be working (a business), a day to be with family and/or friends. Enjoy!