Christmas stories feed soul—December 14, 2012
Scrooge is on the loose….again. You can’t miss him. He’s the fellow with the heavy gait, a frightening scowl and not a hint of warmth. Unfortunately, his dismal state is contagious. Just a moment in his presence can snuff out the merriment in the people crossing his path. Refueling your Christmas spirit frequently is a must!
Christmas stories inevitably feed your soul large doses of Ho Ho Hos which overflow and cover your face with merriment. “25 Days, 25 Ways To Make This Your Best Christmas Ever” has remedies for maladies which plague so many people in December. Ace Collins describes Christmas as a “month long traffic jam”, but points out that being stuck in traffic allows time to enjoy decorations, chubby Santas and excited children. For ever negative thought that might gnaw at your happiness, he has an answer.
“A Simple Christmas” by Mike Huckabee points out ways to “ slow down the holiday treadmill”. The stories he tells from his own childhood are intended to help us trade in the frenzy of shopping and trying to outgift everyone else for a tamer Christmas in honor of the best gift of all.
You may need a handkerchief to get through “Christmas Jars” by Jason Wright. The book gives a big hint about the meaning of kindness and generosity. Imagine the feelings which would fill your soul if you saw someone picking up a jar, anonymously delivered, with cash to fill an empty cupboards or buy a warm coat.
“The Christmas Rose”by William H. Hooks is a story of the Nativity with different characters. The beautifully painted pages by Richard Williams show Dorothy, a small girl and her family traveling to Bethlehem. Dorothy’s only focus is to present the newborn babe with a prized gift. Although humble, He valued her gift, because it came from deep within her heart.
“Everyone has something to give” is the message conveyed in many Christmas stories. For example, a beautifully illustrated Ukranian tale by Trinka Hake Noble shows how a mother spider and an impoverished mother selflessly help one another when food is sparse and temperatures are frigid.
Peter Collingham’s “A Small Miracle” is told in pictures. The frail elderly woman in the touching story is devoted to the miracle of Christmas while she does without warmth and food. In the end, she is unexpected rewarded with gifts and food.
Do yourself a favor by plopping down in your coziest chair with a mug of hot chocolate and make plans for your own Merry Little Christmastime?
