I love Christmas.  I love the playful nature of the season, the toys, the spirit of generosity.  When else can an adult justify sitting for hours building a Lego castle to put by the tree or setting up an elaborate lighted snow village with a train chugging around it?  I often wonder when it was that I started to think that I needed a reason to stop working and play for a little bit? 
I'm sitting here in a wildly decorated house...many lights, several themed trees, lots of Santas, many ornaments..many lovely memories.  I have a tree full of musical ornaments that reminds me of my Grandpa who nutured the music in my heart.  I try to repay that with students that I teach piano to.  What a tremendous gift music is!   Another tree is filled with hand painted dough ornaments that my Dad and I made one year.  (right after Mom and I attempted to make corn husk dolls.  Some things are easier to just buy!)  Dad made a snowman that year, and it is pretty pitiful looking.  It's crooked, and pitted, and poorly painted, really like no snowman I've ever seen, but what I remember is the laughter and fun we had making ornaments together.  My little snowman is at least 20 years old and I love him with all my heart.  Although Dad isn't with us anymore, I feel his presence in the house through this simple ornament that we created together.  I have a tree full of crocheted snowflakes,  all different, none perfect, created by my Mom who is losing her vision to macular degeneration.  I know that I will treasure them forever.  Yes, all is quiet and bright in my house tonight..even my two big dogs are softly snoring by the tree.  They're hoping that the doggie Santa brought them some new bones or treats.  And, I'm sure that they won't be disappointed!
 I totally love Christmas, even though it's often overwhelming and down right exhausting.  When I pause for a moment before turning out the Christmas lights, I am reminded about what's really important.  Tonight, one of my piano students gave me a college essay she had written about one of her heros...and,   I was that hero!  I am deeply humbled and touched by this.  For once, I was pretty much speechless.  This touching gift reminds me of things that I  know, but sometimes forget...that each of us can make a difference in someone's lives...by kindness and love.  Simple things really, but never forgotten...like my Dad's snowman, or Grandpa's songs, or Mom's snowflakes. 
This year my New Years resolution is to create more time...for myself and those whom I love. 
Here's wishing all of you a peaceful Christmas filled to overflowing with love!