Christmas isn't Christmas till it Happens in Your Heart

Dear Readers,

Special bumper issue today in celebration of Christmas! Since ST isn't published today. I will do my part to let you'll have your daily read:)
Haha...in my tired state on Fri night, i didn't know that the last post wasn't published. So many apologies and a belated Merry Christmas.

Luv,
Cranberrymist


Christmas.
Every year, it comes and goes.

- There are the tropical sunny ones. Then they are the rainy, chilly, windy ones that bring the imagination a lil closer to the white christmases that sounds so exotic and lovely.
- There are those where I've slept through, worn out by the day's work or play and those that I have stayed vigil to welcome and usher in
- There are years where the word Christmas adds a bounce to the step. And years where the mention lends a little heaviness to the steps- for the weight not lost, cards not sent and gifts not bought.
- There are the very first few spent at family gatherings with sumptious spreads. Then the coming of age ones spent with friends. Only then, settling for chips and salads does one know how much preparation and effort actually goes into coming out with the lavish feast huh:P?
- There have been the loud, boisterous and busy ones with back to back celebrations, experiencing both the commercialised fun and subsequent physical and emotional hangover. And the quiet, restful ones- where there's a renewal in spirit and restoration of peace in my mind.

The pristineness, simplicity and innoncence of Christmas from young.
Of family and loved ones all back together.
Of feasts and classic carols sung to bring some cheer
Of all misgivings and misunderstandings resolved and forgiven
Have been sobered/tarnished somewhat through the years.

It's not all saccharine sweet. Or heartrendingly warm.
Families may not be complete.
Frens may have relocated abroad. Or sent on a worktrip ( You two are dearly missed)
The company of last christmas maybe different from this christmas.
There can be no complete abandonment of work
Turkey's missing from the spread
Hatchets may not be buried on this day we call Christmas
There's still disappointments, confusion, setbacks and doubts to deal with.

But I still love Christmas-
- For the uplifting carols that never fails to soothe and cheer me up, no matter what season and whom it's reinterpreted by
- For the only time I feel comfortable initiating conversations and unabashedly emailing/msging/calling friends to yell Merry Christmas to and thank them for their care
- The tingling of the heart when well-wishes are received

And most of all, the love that seeps in and fills every hollow in the heart
That heals every hurt or wound
That overflows to pay the price of my sins

I may habour many fantasies of Christmas. And be crushed when I find out that Santa Claus don't exist.
But don't ever let me lose sight of this
(J dear, you've got a present too:)- hang in there ya)
The best present that would be received

The true meaning and magic of Christmas.