A fake Charlie Brown tree.
The true reality in how incredibly Dutch my parents are came out several Christmases ago. My mom got angry no one was vacuuming the needles under our gorgeous, real, living Christmas tree. So she decided that unless someone was willing to vacuum every day, that we couldnt get anymore real Christmas trees. Needless to say, that year my parents went out and purchased a fake tree on Boxing day for a great deal. The tree was incredibly cheap...in more ways than one.
The following Christmas came around and we bitterly set up our sad excuse for a Christmas tree. At least fake trees are designed to be more "perfect" than the real trees. Once the tree itself was set up, we all stepped back. It looked like Charlie Brown's tree AND it was fake. I have to admit, it does look better once its been decorated, but it's still not nearly as good as a real tree.
Last year, we found a nice tree lying on the side of the road. Naturally, we picked it up and carried it home. The nicest tree we'd ever had.
It's taken me many years to learn Christmas is not just about the tree, the decorations, going to church on Christmas morning, singing Christmas songs, and visiting family. Those are just some perks.
5 years ago, my family spent Christmas in the hospital. My mom was struggling to recover from complications of cancer surgery. Christmas day included spending time with my mom trucking around her IV pole in the patient's lobby. It was a weird Christmas, and I loved it. I finally realized what an amazing gift life really is. The gift from God at Christmas beats out getting an ipod or snowboard for Christmas any day.
This Christmas I want to thank God for the gifts I already have. Thank Him for the family He's given me, as much as they get on my nerves sometimes...many times...Thank Him for my house (...my parents house :)), my friends, food on the table, being able to get an education, and my mom, for her 5th year with no cancer.
God is good
Merry Christmas
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