The girls are way past the 'driving around looking at lights stage'.  They are, in fact, adults with agendas of their own. Gazing at homes decked out in the season's splendor is, as they say, not their style.  I'm sure, down the road, they'll come to appreciate the tradition all over again when they see the awe and wonder through the eyes of their future children.

It's just the two of us now, but not much has changed when the holiday rolls around.

We still fill the thermos with hot chocolate and tune in the radio to the station that plays nothing but Christmas songs.  And then we're off, on a merry adventure, with snow flakes falling from the sky, providing the perfect backdrop for our joy filled journey.

In the world of Christmas decorations I have noticed a growing trend that sometimes, I admit, brings out the scrooge in me when the meaning of Christmas is mingled with the merriment of make believe.  It's becoming more and more of a familiar sight.

The reverence of a nativity scene brings a calm and holy reminder of just what we are celebrating.  And then...who's that standing next to the manger, Frosty the snowman?!

While both may have their place in this season of wonder and joy, they should each have their own space, preferably on opposite sides of the yard.

Snowman characters are giving Santa a run for his reindeer when it comes to home decorating.  The inside of my home is sprinkled with smiling snowmen here and there; you can't create a glistening, winter wonderland without the magic of their presence.

But, Frosty just doesn't belong beside the three Wise men at Jesus' birth.

There is an avalanche of snowman statues and knick knacks out there competing for our desire to weave a winter fantasy with Frosty and his cohorts as holiday decor.

Now if you're into the whole snowman scene and you want more than Frosty hanging out with the three Wise men then - Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph! - you can actually have all three in snowman character, including snow shepards. 

Candy canes are to Santa Claus what Silent Night is to Seraphim angels, the meaning shouldn't be melted as one. I must be a wee bit old fashioned when it comes to Christmas.  I think Santa should always be an older gentleman with a big round belly, long white beard and a hearty Ho-Ho-Ho. Somehow seeing Mickey Mouse and the gang in Santa suits has me dreaming of a trip to Florida, not of a white Christmas.  I guess it would be just like seeing Santa at the Magic Kingdom donning Mickey ears and shorts, just not the right stuff to urge me into singing Christmas carols.

We did find an awe inspiring theme one year, set up to resemble Santa's work shop.  It was complete with elves, numerous lighted toy houses, singing carolers, and enough twinkling lights to make you wonder if it was created by, Chevy Chase's character, Clark Griswald - on speed!    It was so over the top decorated that a  good natured neighbor, two doors down, made a simple statement for all the holiday sight seers. The only thing lit up on his house was a string of red lights on the roof top, in the shape of an arrow, pointing to the masterpiece of blinding light. This guy had what most of us need this time of year--a holiday sense of humor!

Then there's the decoration I saw recently that, at first I viewed as an abomination but soon thought otherwise. It's a simple cardboard scene of Santa kneeling down in front of baby Jesus. I guess I've come to embrace this mixed meaning. For in that moment I was reminded that, no matter what the theme or display - Jesus is the reason for the season.

Kathy Whirity

kathywhirity@yahoo.com

*Bio

Kathy Whirity is a newspaper columnist who lives in Chicago with her husband of 28 years, Bill, their two daughters, Jaime and Katie, and two rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah.

The love of writing is what motivates Kathy to share her joy with others.

For more of Kathy's writings you are welcome to visit her web page: 'KATHYWHIRITY'S MUSINGS FROM THE HEART' < http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members?kathyw >