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OpinionSUNDAY NIGHT : Itís not perfect that counts at ChristmasBy MaryHelen Swanson, editor Oh, I know some of you will still be scurrying about looking for a gift for someone you forgot, or to even out the number of presents for each child or family member. Iíve been there and done that. Perhaps the most frightening of nightmares Iíve had is one where I am out looking for presents late Christmas Eve. Iím in a state of panic as I hit convenience store after convenience store looking for something that could possibly pass for a gift, and one that says, oh sure, I planned to buy you a visor organizer, or a carton of Valvoline oil. That dream, coupled with the most recent one, that all the needles fall off our tree before the big day, leaves me wondering if one of these years Christmas will actually be a complete failure. Not that some of the things that have happened on this most wonderful of holidays havenít been close to pure tragedy. I hope you parents and grandparents, who scoured the stores for just that right gift, or who battled with others for the toy of the year ( I remember the Cabbage Patch doll craze, I think I still have the scars), find some peace and comfort on Christmas. It wonít matter though, the kids, particularly the little ones, will play with the boxes and bows anyway. Hokey Poky Elmo will lie still under the tree, the Leap Pad will be buried under a pile of gift wrap and millions of Bionical pieces will be scattered all about (watch your feet). You might even find the kids in their rooms playing with their old familiar toys by dayís end. So much work goes into making this day so perfect. There can be such a let down by dawn Dec. 26 that you find yourself feeling low. Itís probably not depression, however, so much as fatigue. Relax then and remember the joy in the faces of the little ones as they opened their gifts. Remember the sweet taste of the sugar cookies and tingle on your tongue of the hot spiced tea. Remember the hugs, the handshakes, the jolly ìHappy Holidaysî greetings you shared with friends and family in the weeks up to this day. Remember the memories of your own childhood Christmas celebrations taking time to think long and fondly about those loved ones no longer around to share in your family gatherings. Remember that ìperfectî is only on the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. Remember that there is always tomorrow and more chances to find happiness, even if it is in only in returning those weird slippers for something more useful. Remember, no one ever died because the tree lights were not the brightest, the cookies the crispiest or the cards the merriest. Keep your mind on the fact that this is only one day of 365 and that the joy and love shared today should be spread out all year. Remember, too, that there is still war going on in our world in counties that have known no peace for centuries. And think about the men and women whose lives will be in jeopardy this Christmas. Putting everything into perspective, youíll soon realize that what makes Christmas perfect is being with the ones you love. In reality, what weíre all trying to find on this special day is that peace on earth promised so many years ago. Merry Christmas everyone, peace be with you. ©ECM Post Review |