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Happy Holidays 2013!

December 23, 2013

Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is the site of t...
Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is the site of this Christmas display with over 3.5 million lights. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy Holidays!

Every year I have fun reading holiday books looking for excerpts from writings that reflect my feelings about the season.  This is an especially poignant year for me given my father’s recent passing.  His birthday was Christmas day, and it will be the first time we haven’t spoken on this day in my lifetime.  He always loved Christmastime and it has worn off on me.

My house has and always will always be decorated with lights in honor of my dad. It may be my imagination, but I feel that this has been the best year yet for decorations as I drive around and appreciate the individual creativity of so many homeowners.  People are in an especially festive mood this year and I know that dad is looking down and smiling at all of it.

Since 1944, “Ideals Christmas” has been a tradition in thousands of homes across the USA.  The book contains traditional poems that explore the meaning of the holiday and recall special times with family and friends.  I came across the following poem which resonated with me (Thanks Mable!):

The Message of Christmas Bells
By Mable Clare Thomas

Once more the bells of Christmas
Are ringing sweet and clear;
Once more our hearts are lifted up
And filled with hope and cheer,
For friendship knows no barriers
Of distance, time or space,
And loving thoughts can wing their way
To any clime or place.

Each year the message of the bells,
Over mountain, plain, or sea,
Reminds us love is born anew,
Steadfast, tender, strong, and true,
Wherever we may be.

I hope that you and your loved ones have a fun week of celebration and friendship this year.  And, may the New Year bring you many blessings and much happiness!