Essence of Christmas

Essence of Christmas

            

              The Christmas of the past was once a beautiful celebration of the birth of Christ. Families would come together to enjoy the holidays together in a peaceful, loving environment. Children ran around in a pine scented home, clamoring over the presents that Santa had brought the night before. Even if the family was struggling, children would appreciate the hard work and thought put into each gift. At night mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters would curl beside a blazing fire and watch a classic Christmas movie called, "It's a Wonderful Life"
               Usually, when we think of this day we picture a family, Christmas sweaters and all, opening presents accompanied by huge smiles and laughter. Everyone received exactly what they had asked for and there are no disappointed faces in the room. Once the presents have all been opened, the family sits down at a long dining room table where there is a feast of cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, fruitcake and of course a huge Christmas ham which is presented by the eldest woman in the family. Succeeding the main course is a perfectly baked pumpkin pie. This is the traditional Christmas routine, but this is not always what creates that close family feel which comes with Christmas. My family experience has definitely revealed otherwise to me.