Keeping Christmas

Last night I spent some time in the garage, going through my boxes of Christmas decorations. It was with some hesitation, and I couldn't really explain why. Last year, I didn't even go into those boxes. I just bought a new little fiber optic tree and let it go at that.

As I opened the boxes, I felt a mixture of emotions: my heart opened as I looked at the things that reminded me of my daughter, and as I saw the beautiful Christmas stockings my late mother-in-law had created from beads, sequins, and buttons.

There was also much that was shabby. There were strings of lights that didn't light. There were things that were broken, dirty, or otherwise past their prime.

I remembered the years when I would take it all out and use it. After all, isn't it part of the tradition of Christmas to bring out all of our precious memories?

Looking at it now, I realize that some things are best left in the past, or let go of - like the year my husband and I decided to get a divorce - just before Christmas.

And then there are the wonderful memories, like Megan's first Christmas. I still have a photo of her with a Christmas bow on her head.

What does it really mean to keep the tradition of Christmas? I like to think it has to do with the original meaning of Christmas, the birth of the Christ child, embodying peace on earth and good will toward humankind.

The external expressions may change, but the essence of Christmas is love. How do I keep Christmas? By gifting people with expressions of love.

The important things are kept in the heart and not in a box.