The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.

In this day and age we need to get back to the basics, to live the true meaning of Christmas. Over the years, Christmas has become so commercialized that we seem to have lost the true meaning of it. We no sooner finish one event (Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving) that the stores are already selling products for the next holiday. We are in a society that is fast-paced, forgetting to stop and take the time to sit down with family and friends and relax.

I remember when I was younger, how we would all go to the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve as a family and then come back home to great food that my mom had prepared all day. We would open gifts that Santa had brought, sing songs and play games. What a fond memory. I also remember that orange that was always in my stalking along with a few candy canes and other treats that we only received at this special time of the year.I really cherish those memories and I am happy that I got to appreciate the simple things in life. It really helps me appreciate what I have today .One thing that I know for sure, if you have health and happiness you are a very rich individual.

When you stop and think about it..Christmas is a time of giving and being helpful and generous towards others. My sister and her husband every year choose two less fortunate families in the surrounding area and bring them a month's worth of groceries and Christmas gifts individually wrapped for everyone in the home. Every year my family picks an angel with the name of a less fortunate child off the Sears Christmas tree, to try to make a difference and realize how lucky we truly are.Some friends devote their Christmas day helping, preparing and serving a Christmas meal at the local food bank. Now this is the true meaning of Christmas.

This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It is personally my favorite. Everyone seems happier and friendlier than usual. Children are always so excited about the visit from Jolly Old St-Nick. It is truly a magical season and we need to try to live this special time of the year, all of the excitement through their eyes.It is the one time of the year where I really don't mind if it snows, nothing like a beautiful white Christmas!!

I wanted to live this Christmas with good old-fashioned tradition. This is why I decided to participate in my first "Home for the Holidays Christmas House Tour" with my sisters, here in Cornwall  a couple of weeks ago. It was truly amazing and a breathtaking life experience for sure for everyone that lived it.

http://cornwallfreenews.com/2010/11/home-for-the-holidays-christmas-house-tour-november-24th-2010-from-5-9-pm/

The seven  homes had many unique Christmas decorating ideas created by volunteer decorators and home-owners. Delicious appetizers (and very original I must add...) were served at each home. This year's proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club of Cornwall and surrounding area.(a very worthy cause for sure..)

So, I guess that what I'm trying to say is that we need to make memories and build traditions with our loved ones. This way when they grow up they will have great Christmas values and they will be able to pass this on to their children and future generations

Stay healthy....merry Christmas from my home to yours....

Sylvie Thibert