Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Christmas Treat – Sharon Bryant

December 21, 2007

The Christmas Stories published here are part of the Christmas Contest but are not to be considered the publisher’s pick.  They are here simply because of space limitations in the regular newsletter.

Believing

 Sharon Bryant

Today's times have changed so much since I was a child growing up.

I look around today, the stores begin stocking Christmas items at Halloween.

All I can think is, "It's all for the money."

I remember my childhood days.  Our tree was not put up before Thanksgiving though I saw many in windows at the beginning of November this year.

We never started shopping until the winter set in and the mood became festive.  It was then the stores began to decorate.  Living in the north, we knew the first snow fall would come before Christmas.  I can remember shopping with snow falling, and the feel of the season.  It felt good. 

I used to love to hear my mother discuss with my grandma and dad about what would be cooked for Christmas dinner that year.  My mouth would drool with the thought of homemade rolls topped off with homemade butter.  Those were mom's "special rolls" that were only made at the Holidays.

We as children had no idea what we would be getting for Christmas.  Every Christmas was a surprise.

And the whole family got involved.  There was no grabbing and ripping paper off in a split second.  Each one of us would wait and watch as the person who was handed the gift was opening it.  We all shared in each other's surprises.

Dad used to take me "wish shopping."  We never entered the stores but would stand outside and look at everything in the windows.  Then I would "wish" something Santa would bring.  And we believed in Santa.

We waited for him on Christmas Eve.  We many times were sure we heard the sleigh bells as the sleigh flew through the sky.

And as old as I am today, that fantasy did not ruin my mind.  Children need fantasy.  They need wonder.

But of course, that was in the days from long ago, when children were children.

I sit back today and think about our Christmas Eve's as a child.  I think the most beautiful thing I ever witnessed was attending mass at our Catholic church.  I could feel the presence of God; I could feel His love.  The same that I always had for Him.

My parents didn't have to use credit cards, which didn't exist in those days.  But they also weren't "in the hole" for months after Christmas either.  Sure, we didn't get 50 items under the tree, but who cared?  We were just happy that Santa stopped by and remembered us.

I see so many worrying this year of how they are going to have enough money to buy "all the gifts" they have to buy.  And I think, "Why don't people realize the true meaning of this Holiday?"

I myself have always loved gifts from the heart.  After my grandpa died and gram couldn't afford much, she baked for each family.  And after all these years, I have never forgotten how much that box meant to me when it was given to my family.  The pies, tarts, cookies, donuts..........words can't describe the wonderful taste each one had.  Now that I'm older, and I carry on with that tradition, I know how much work is put into making homemade items.  But I also know that the ones I give them to are people that I love very much.  And they too, love receiving the big box of goodies.

So much talk these days about not being able to say the word Christmas.  So much chatter about this one not believing in God.  I think to myself, "So, is the time coming we will be eliminating Christmas from our lives?"

I am one who does believe in God.  I believe with the things that have happened in my life, things I've witnessed with my own eyes, photos that tell the truth........God is real. 

People can make their own choices.  You either believe or you don't.  I can only feel sorry for those who believe in nothing. 

You make your own choice.

I have mine.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

God Bless,
Sharon Bryant

1946@bellsouth.net