Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 
Everywhere you go; 
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again 
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. 

I am not one to decorate or even get excited about this time of the year.  I really am a Grinch.  My wife and kids call me that all the time.  All I have to say is, "everyone has their own heroes and The Grinch and Scrooge are mine". 

The stores are too crowded.  People are mean as can be when reaching for the last of the "Tickle Me Elmo" or whatever is the latest craze-toy.  Then those same people drop money in the Red Kettle with a huge smile.  In my part of the country it snows...that's it...it snows and I hate snow.  I blame Santa since he seems to need it to land his sleigh.

Well, that is how I used to think anyway.  I now have a grandchild and that changes everything.  I love all three of my daughters, but a grandchild...it seems different and I am not sure why.  It is a mystical feeling that brings a different kind of love for a grandchild than for your own kids.  Not more love, not better love just a different love.  Anyway, this little guy has turned the world I live in upside down.  I am reminded nearly every day of how cool the simple things are in this world.  He gets excited when we turn a light on...and with the Christmas tree lights, he just can't contain himself.  The pure awe of different colored lights, Santa, decorated trees, and all things pretty.

I got to thinking maybe this is how I need to start looking at the world.  As if everything is new and exciting.  Seeing the beauty in things rather than the bad.  I mean, snow IS beautiful.  Just don't tell my wife I said that last sentence.

If you can't find the beauty then find the humor.  Let me just say one word here to make my point--Giraffe!  Oh come on, they are funny looking and you laughed. 

I guess the point is, be the person you always wanted to be when you grew up, but always hold on to kid who dreamed the dream.

Can I issue a small challenge to you this season?  In honor of the 12 Days of Christmas, could you do 12 nice things for someone who could never repay you?  Just a thought...let's help others see the good in this world.

So, this note has nothing to do with selling  products.  But it does have to do with all of us here at the McConnell wanting to wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas season and the eyes of a little child to see the world in a different way- through the eyes of a babe.

Merry Christmas!