*Christmas Gifts*

 ***I know I am not alone when I say that the days after Christmas are a downer!  Maybe those who 'don't put alot of stock in the holiday are not feeling the 'let-down' that most of us are.  I'll speak for myself, (but feel free to identify with me), when I say that I look forward to Christmas as much as any child would!  Beginning in October, I start to feel that 'secret excitement,' that feeling of expecting the unexpected.  As the days grow closer, that excitement grows, and grows into a fever pitch!  Of course, as I am definitely not a child, the excitement is mixed with alot of other 'not sa hot' emotions.  I, am a born procratinator.  I should be in a 'twelve step program' for Procrastinators.  I wait until the 'last dog is hung' to shop.  I then feel not only the monetary crunch, but the limitations of both time and energy.  So, at a time when I want to feel the happiest, I feel a little anxious (alot), and truly afraid I won't be able to do it all!  I swear, next year will be different.  I will shop for those special gifts even in the summer!

  Still, even with anxiety in tow, I love Christmas.  I think Christmas allows us to 'look for a miracle,'  to expect something wonderful to happen!  We reflect more deeply on that 'first birth, that first miracle,' the coming of our Lord Jesus.  I guess as 'tired adults' we need encouragement to think as such!  Life is hard, and this is a time when we can again, be like children.  So yes, I am a little down. My favorite season is coming to a close.  I still have the most precious gifts in my posession though.  My abiding faith in the Maker of all miracles, and my family...my true loves!  I get to 're-enact' that   'Christmas feeling' every time  I have the opportunity to 'give or receive the gift of love'....it's Christmas!