Basking in the Glow

This is my favorite part of the Christmas season---the days before. 

Excitement is in the air.  

Anticipation is on the faces of everyone, not just the children.

Decorations abound.  Driving anywhere in the evening finds trees lit up in front windows, blow up decor in front yards (not my favorite thing, but still festive), and lights along rooftops and on fence railings.  

I love it.

Today when Courtney stopped by, our discussion went to some of her students who really dread the breaks from school because being at school gives them stability.  Someone to care for them. Safety.  Warmth.  Food.  A hug from a teacher.

When school dismisses for winter break, those things vanish, and it is even worse at Christmas time because the holiday as I have always known it is just a dream or a total unknown to some of these children.

And I think about people who have no family.

And those who are fighting diseases or need to be hospitalized over the holidays.

And those who have recently lost loved ones.

And those whose spouses or children are serving overseas and cannot be home.

Or those who don't have enough money to buy their children anything besides a few gifts off the $1 shelves at Target or Dollar General.

Or those who may be eating peanut butter and jelly for their Christmas dinners.

Or those who will start drinking on Christmas Eve and not stop until the 26th and verbally or physically abuse family members instead of showering them with gifts. 

Or those who have no idea what the true meaning of Christmas is, just know that whoever this Santa Claus is doesn't know where they live or else they must have been really bad and if we are celebrating someone's birthday who is supposed to love ALL of us, why isn't that love felt?

I am being selfish then because I just want to be me and be with my family and enjoy the 'glow' of the holidays.

I want to focus on my family.  

I want to spend the time with Gary, and Megan and Hilary, and Matt and Blaine, and Landon, Tessa, Cooper, Owen, and Lynnlee.  

I want to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

I want us all to be together and enjoy the holiday season. 

I want to bask in the glow.