Christmas is a sentimental time and like many people I\u2019ve been reflecting about Christmases past the last few days.\u00a0\u00a0 I was fortunate to grow up (and still be) in a wonderful family that more than gets along \u2026 my brothers and I actually like<\/em> being together.\u00a0 At our house, we had LOTS of magical Christmases.\u00a0 Our dad was a warm, wonderful, funny person who was in his element at Christmas with his bow tie that looked like holly and his infectious laugh.\u00a0 In later years we also came to appreciate the gin ice cream fizzes that he fixed every Christmas morning!\u00a0 I miss him especially at Christmas but know that his spirit lives on whenever our family gathers together.<\/p>\n As I\u2019ve grown older I\u2019ve found magic in finding the perfect gift for my husband or kids and watching their faces light up when they open it.\u00a0 And just the other day I found it while making Christmas cookies for our grandsons.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is there for all of us, usually in the small moments and memories, and makes each Christmas a time of appreciation of those we hold close.<\/p>\n I wish that teacher had received my friend Cheryl Ortenburger\u2019s\u00a0 Christmas letter this year, for she captured the essence of Santa perfectly in the following paragraph:<\/p>\n I believe that Santa Claus not only represents innocence, but is the embodiment of hopes and dreams.\u00a0 He is the epitome of selfless giving.\u00a0\u00a0 Who does not want to personify that selfless image and be a part of making someone\u2019s wishes comes true?\u00a0 Of course, we all do!\u00a0 Hence the race with the calendar and our yeoman\u2019s efforts to find THE<\/strong> gift that will bring a smile to that special someone\u2019s face.\u00a0 We do this in the name of Hanukah, or Christmas, or Santa, or whatever the cultural or religious motivation.\u00a0 I think Santa brings out the best in us, draws us together, and unites us in spirit.\u00a0 Kids all over the world know who Santa is and excitedly await his arrival.\u00a0 Although Santa has been accused of being a little commercial at times, who can help but love the jolly old elf, with the twinkle in his eye, and corncob pipe?\u00a0 I think Santa represents the best part of us.\u00a0 However we chose to celebrate, let\u2019s follow the example of Santa and find the best in ourselves and see the best in others.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas, Happy\u00a0Hanukkah\u00a0and a joyous 2012.\u00a0 And mostly, I hope no one dares to tell you that there is no Santa Claus.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Morning News in Verse, Christmas 1971<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Suzanne Sparrow Watson Much has been made in the press about the second grade teacher in upstate New York that told her class that there was no Santa Claus.\u00a0 Apparently people are so angry that she is receiving threats.\u00a0 … read more![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fromabirdseyeview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/christmas-1971.jpeg\" "\\"Christmas")
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