Christmastime is Here by Bea Tifton

Christmas is almost upon us. I haven’t gotten anything done. It’s one of those years when it just crept up on me. It’s going to be scaled down, anyway, for a variety of reasons. But I will find time for decorating, gift wrapping, and Christmas light viewing.

Christmas was easy as a kid. We actually got to do Christmas things at school, singing Christmas songs, doing Christmas art projects, and having the annual party. And as soon as the Sears Wishbook came out, it was time to circle, hint, and hope.

My most distinct memory came on a late December afternoon when I was about five. I had been firmly indoctrinated into the “He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake” camp, and one day I was playing in our living room when I saw a small bearded face look into the window. I ran to my mother and yelled, “I just saw one of Santa’s elves!” Mom listened politely to the entire recap and said, “Oh, that’s nice,” as she walked calmly to the phone to call the police. The entire neighborhood had been abuzz about a peeping Tom and I’d just had a sighting.

As a teacher, I was fortunate to teach just as the tide was turning on holidays and letting children do something enjoyable once in a while. Now the poor teachers have to do so much test prep most of them are forbidden to take time for anything considered to be frivolous time wasters. Poor kids. But we would do art projects, learn about holiday customs around the world, and read Christmas and Hanukah stories. One church coordinated an angel program with the district in which I taught and I always participated in that, running the presents to the parents after we got loose on the last day of school before the break. The organizers were smart enough to make sure the teachers were assigned a family from another school. I loved how excited my students got about bringing the money and I always let them view the presents before I wrapped them. It was a low wealth school but the parents were so generous with what they could spare.

Even though Christmas is different as an adult, it can still be fun and meaningful. But if I see one of Santa’s elves peeking at me through the window, I’m calling the cops.

Whatever you celebrate, I hope your holiday is peaceful and memorable for all the right reasons.

Photo Credits:
Wikimedia Commons- Karen Arnold "December 25 Calendar Sheet"
Pexels.com
Vo Van Tien "Young Girl Enjoying Christmas Indoors in Hoi An"
Boris Hamer "Child Writing Letter to Santa"
Gary Spears "Close-Up of Christmas Decoration Hanging on Tree" 

Kristin Vogt "Women's Zip Up Hooded Jacket"