Janet Weisiger: Revel in the joy, wonder of Christmas

The month of December is always exciting because of Christmas. We all have plans and we all love celebrating this special day of the year. Just think of that word: Christmas. Jesus Christ, our savior was born on this day and just think ... we set aside Dec. 25 as his special day of the year.

There are so many things to think about in December and we do get caught up in shopping and entertaining. But when we think seriously about Jesus and all that he means and all that he does, our minds and our hearts think of God’s son and our hearts smile.

Christmas is fun. I have so many wonderful, happy memories of Christmas. When you are 87 and remember Christmas in those years gone by, wow, what wonderful memories.

I remember those wonderful Christmas mornings when my brother, Donald, and I woke early, burst into Mommy and Daddy’s room to announce in a loud voice, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Then Donald and I had to sit and wait on the top step of our two-story house until Daddy had the furnace turned on and the Christmas lights all lit. Then, given the word, we raced downstairs to see what Santa gave us for Christmas. We left our jammies on until all the presents were opened and we had played with them ... and then we got dressed for the family gathering.

Yes, Christmas Day is special.

Usually, we spent Christmas Day at home during my childhood. Mom would be busy making the turkey and special vegetables and gradually our relatives would arrive. Aunt Frances and Uncle Fred, Aunt Emma and Grandma Sprague. Aunt Stella, Robert and Colin, and Uncle Ernie did not travel from Buffalo because of the weather but we all celebrated Christmas with joy. We were a small group, but we had fun.

Then I remember a few Christmases later. Grandma Sprague had some health issues so she was living at our house. Mom had some training in home nursing care so she knew what to do. At that time there were some issues with Aunt Emma but she arrived a day or so before Christmas to pick up Grandma Sprague. I had overheard lots of conversations, so I sat in the front hallway waiting for Aunt Emma. When the doorbell rang, I answered and politely told Aunt Emma that Grandma Sprague had decided to stay with us. Then I politely closed the door and ran up to my room. Silence filled the house. I was not punished ... everyone was spellbound. No one said a word to me. Instead, we played some Christmas music and went on with life. No one thanked me or made any remarks, but I knew I was brave to open the door plus speak to Emma. I truly felt God wanted me to speak up for Grandma Sprague!

Ah, Christmas! A holiday that can bring out the best in people. Who helps us make the right decisions? God, of course. We have a choice in life, every day. Our lives are filled with activities and we have to make decisions every day. How do we let God into our lives so we make the right decisions? I pray every day for my children who are all married with families. I want the Lord to guide them and lead them in the way of truth.

When it comes to Christmas Day, no one wishes to be alone but illness and long-term injuries can cause a problem. Reach out to your neighbors, if they are alone, visit them and come up with a thoughtful gift. I faced a problem this Christmas. Living alone in Vista Springs gave me worries. So, I reached out to the administration and suggested we hold a special Christmas party and invite all who want to come because they will be alone and we will celebrate with special cupcakes, pieces of party chocolates and watch a Christmas movie.

I am thrilled just thinking about this special party. We've never done it before, but it will be time for fun and time to rejoice in the presence of our savior Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

— Community Columnist Janet Baird Weisiger is a resident of Holland, residing in Vista Springs. Read her blog at jweisiger.blogspot.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Janet Weisiger: Revel in the joy, wonder of Christmas