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[#1]

I love Christmas! The traditions and time spent with those we love are what make it special. Whether it’s greeting Santa, or trimming the tree, or baking cookies, or singing carols, or helping others, there is a spirit of the season that warms the heart.

One of my favorite Christmas memories was when I was about 6, my sister Mona was 4 and my brother Clint was not quite 3. The Christmas tree was up and the lights were strung on our house, and the houses of most of our neighbors, in the 1960's tract home where we lived.

The three of us, Mona, Clint and I, were in our living room staring at our tree with all the lights and decorations (what little kid doesn’t love doing that?) and talking excitedly about what we wanted for Christmas.

I remember my mother saying, simply, "we celebrate Christmas, because it is Jesus’ birthday". Well, for little kids, when it’s someone’s birthday, the thing to do is to sing "Happy Birthday". And that’s exactly what we wanted to do. So, my mother got a candle, and put it in the center of the coffee table there in the living room and lit it, and my sister and brother and I sang “Happy Birthday To You” to baby Jesus. We were thrilled and I can still remember the tickled look on my parents faces as the three of us belted out that birthday song.

Memories and tradition, whatever yours are, are what make the holiday season so special. Even when the pace is hectic, there is a kindness and warmth that people extend to one another that is unlike any other time of year.

So, I hope your holiday is filled with special times that will make lasting and joyful memories and that you can be with the people you love most.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Leah