The Christmas or “holiday” season is upon us.  The Grinch, Santa Claus, Frosty, the Snowman and countless other characters have already been dancing across our TV screens.  In fact, only a couple days ago, social media slammed “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” for being racist.  The cartoon’s only black character is seated alone on one side of the table.  Isn’t it funny how things can get so twisted up and turned around, to suit one’s opinion or political correctness.  It’s time to get over it!

With that in mind, I plan to spend this week reviewing some of the classic Christmas stories – “A Christmas Carol,” “The Gift of the Magi,”” The Little Drummer Boy,” “Christmas Story” and “The Night Before Christmas.”  I believe this is the perfect time to share stories that indicate unselfishness, love, peace and wisdom.  Even in the most current “Christmas Story,” we will see how all these elements fit together to point to the greatest story ever told – the incarnation of the Lord, Jesus, Christ – and what His birth meant and still means to a sin filled world.

Instead of plopping your children down in front of a screen of any sort, put them on your lap and tell them these stories.  Your voice will stir their imaginations and they can form their own pictures in their mind.  Being close with your child will bring an added dose of love and contentment for both of you.  Somehow, the creative imagination of our young people has been diminished over time.  So much of what we know and learn has been done for us and placed in a cloud somewhere for everyone to grab hold of.  Imagination gets lost in the process.

Grab some hot chocolate and cookies – snuggle close to your children – share the beauty of these stories – let them know the true meaning of Christmas and let their creative side bloom.