Christmas isn’t really about the presents, is it?  It is about “Christmas time”: charity and warm wishes, time spent with family and friends, living through the eyes of a dreamlike child who has the power of magical thinking.  With Brycey in town, we had a full agenda this weekend, of which 1/1000th of it was spent shopping for Christmas.  We had lights to see, reindeer to examine, Santa waving to occur, model trains to marvel upon,  dinner and laughter and dancing to be shared with friends, and cookies to make.

While we snuggled deep into the joyful spirit that comes naturally when company comes to stay, our happiness was surrounded by how much we’ve been affected by the recession.  Benefits are cut, jobs have disappeared, jobs that haven’t disappeared exist on shaky ground…nothing feels certain.  Nothing feels secure.  This part of the recession sucks and must be survived with the grit of our grandparents.

But the part of the recession that keeps us out of the malls and laughing in my living room should be cherished.  I pray this recession resets our national conscious and therefore, our priorities as a culture.  May we return to our homes, invite over our loved ones, and realize that Christmas is about spending time together and dreaming up ways to reach out to those in need.  Let us focus on the mystical wonder of our children who dream that Santa will indeed bring them presents (ain’t nothin’ wrong with presents)…but that they have a few wonderful surprises to cherish, and not an entire mall under the tree.

Every challenge has its gift.  I wish upon all of us cookie making, twinkling trees, model train exhibits, hot cider, and most importantly, the gift of each other (and maybe some pie).