Christmas Values

One of the things I value most about the Christmas holiday is peace.  Growing up with an alcoholic father, we didn't get much peace, we got chaos.  After getting married and having a child, my goal each year was to have a peaceful, loving Christmas holiday.  I know that has been accomplished.  I forgave my father a long time ago and hope he found peace.
A tradition we have is that no matter where our daughter is on Christmas Eve, she calls us and we unwrap our gifts together while wishing each other Merry Christmas.  It sort of makes up for not being together during Christmas.
Friendship is something I value most.  My friend, Rochelle, was born on Christmas day.  Growing up she never actually got a birthday gift.  All her gifts were wrapped  in Christmas paper and she was told the gifts were also for her birthday.  How unfair is that?  So each year I make sure she gets at least one birthday gift from me.  I wrap it in cheery birthday paper, and then another gift is wrapped in Christmas paper.   I know she appreciates this.  My birthday is June 25 so we always kid each other that our birthdays are six months apart in either direction.
As I mature (I'm getting old!) I am appreciating more of what the holidays are all about.  It's not really about gift giving and great foods; although, that is very nice.  It's about a feeling of wonder, warmth, and sharing, while savoring that feeling all through the year.  And, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.