Christmas Wishes

Our Humble, Old-Fashion Christmas Tree 2008

Christmas Village 2008

Mantle and Hearth 2008

I used to ask Santa for little boy toys. One year, I really wanted Lincoln Logs and he brought me a doll. Another year I asked for a B-B gun. Thankfully, Santa refused to comply. I got another doll. Then there was the chemistry set I never received. Erector Set? No. Again a doll was under the tree.

Santa wanted me to be a girl. I wanted to be a boy. It wasn't PC in the '50s to give girls toys meant for boys, or to give boys toys meant for girls. Toys in those days were gender specific.

When we became parents, we did not discriminate and allowed our kids to play with toys for either gender. By the 1970s, many toys were unisex anyway.

Somewhere along the way, I learned that I liked giving better than receiving. I don't even remember most of the gifts I've received. My favorite gifts were the ones I made myself and gave with love.

My Favorite Part of Christmas ~ Happy Children

Early opening ~ Hansen family ~ Alaina, Angie, Brooks, Dan

Our Lil' Lainy-bug deep in concentrated play

Here is my Christmas WISH list:

• Peace ~ for the soldiers
• Food ~ for the hungry
• Shelter ~ for the homeless
• Light ~ for those in darkness
• Clothes ~ for the cold
• Hope ~ for those in dispair
• Love ~ for the lonely
• Health ~ for the sick
• Forgiveness ~ for the sinner

Santa can't bring these things.

They can only be given by Angels.

Each of us is an earthly angel,

with the ability to reach out

to help those in need.

Merry Christmas to All

Good Tidings in the New Year!