The Sounds and Smells of Christmas

What do you think of when you hear the word, "Christmas?" I think of the different sounds and smells of the holiday season. Even the air outside has a different feel to it during the month of December. The best way I can describe it is a general feeling of joy and happiness. Everyone seems just a little kinder, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Some of my favorite Christmas memories have to do with different sounds and smells of the season.

Every year when I was a kid, my family and I would have two Christmas celebrations: one at my dad's parents' home and one at the home of my mom's parents. I can vividly remember the smell of my Grandmother's chocolate pie when she'd get it out of the oven and how delicious it would taste. I remember my Grandad asking the blessing before everyone would eat and how he would thank God for the reason for the Christmas holiday, the birth of Christ in the manger in Bethlehem. After eating, we would all go into the den and exchange gifts. My Grandad would put a bow from one of the presents on his head and everyone would laugh.

When we would eat at my mom's parents home, my Nana's turkey and dressing were always very delicious. As soon as I walked through the door, the smell of food cooking would fill the room. We would eat and exchange gifts and visit together.

Some of my other favorite Christmas memories involved Christmas songs. I always enjoyed listening to Do You Hear What I Hear by Third Day and Mercy Me's rendition of Silent Night. Another favorite Christmas song was Away in a Manger. We would sing it at church during Christmas cantatas every year.

Everything about Christmas gives me a feeling of joy and happiness, but the best thing I love about Christmas is the reason for it. Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem. That is more important than food and gifts. In fact, it is the greatest Christmas gift of all.