Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer
Fun for all the children call
their favorite time of year.

Sorry, I get that song stuck in my head.  Anyway, I haven't posted anything in a while, so I might as well update it now.  I knew when I started this thing, there would be long periods of time with no updates because I couldn't think of anything to talk about and my general forgetfulness.  Anyway, it's Christmas time and I should probably get started on my Christmas shopping.  It goes without saying that this is a unique time of year.  Some love this time of year, while others.. not so much.  I am of the former group.  Despite some of the stress involved with it and my hatred of shopping amongst heavy crowds, there is a certain emotional attachment to this time of year that I enjoy.  Part of that is that I still carry over some of that excitement from being a kid (as I'm sure many do).  The other part is that I remember what it is we truly should be celebrating. 

I discussed last year about why family is a part of that for me and for some, this is a negative part of Christmas.  I'm not a psychologist nor have I done any research on this topic.  However, I do think loneliness is another part of what many do not like about this time of year.  There is something about this time of year that seems to increase depression and loneliness in some people.  I say this (and I'm preaching to myself as well) so that we might remember that this can be a difficult time of year for a lot of people.  It's so easy to get caught up in our own everyday lives that we do not see the difficulties of others.  The flip side of this is, of course, to remember that Christmas time isn't the only time to show compassion.  As a Christian, I know the Bible is very clear on the matter of compassion. 

Anyway, that is my rambling on Christmas.  The other thing about this time of year is that the end of the year is approaching.  I'll try to but up another post later on this subject but 2012 hasn't been fruitful as I would've hoped.  As I am not privy to the future, I do not know what next year will bring and I do not know what God's will for the future will bring.  There are some things I feel I need to do and some changes likely coming next year, one way or another.  However, I'll try and talk about this more at a later time including the subject I orginally started this blog to talk about: the Appalachian Trail.

For now here is that song that got in my head.

P.S. What are the chances I actually post again before the end of the year?

Christmas Morning

I'm sitting here at work this Christmas morning. It is nice a quiet morning working security on Christmas day. As a kid, like many others, I woke up early on Christmas mornings but it was much more fun when you're not waking up early to be at work. This is obviously not where I'd like to be but it's certainly better than not having a job. Also, my unfortunate work schedule doesn't interfere with any family plans.

I have already gathered with both sides of my family and will be gathering with my closest family after I get off. I am fortunate to be blessed with family I have. They are a very goofy bunch. If nothing else, I always come away entertained. My best friend suggested that one of us needs to write down all the funny stories that come out holiday gatherings.

On a more somber note: this was the first Christmas without my grandfather. None were really surprised when he died a few days after last Christmas. Truly though, we were blessed to have as many Christmases with him as we did since for several years, many believed it would be the last Christmas.

I hear many people that do not look forward to spending time with the family this time of year. I know some with some unimaginably difficult family circumstances. Sometimes, your family can get on your last nerves but remember to appreciate the family you have. There are those who don't even have a a family to annoy them. Also, don't ever forget why we gather with our families this time of year. On a starry night around 2,000 years ago, a very unusual birth occurred. The One who should be most glorified became man in the most humbling of circumstances. Keep in mind what is most important.

Merry Christmas!
Ricky

P.S. I typed this on my phone since my computer at work doesn't like blogspot so I'm sure the typos are plenty.

P.P.S. There is one other important thing about this time of year... It's almost time for homemade ice cream!!!