Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.
~Norman Vincent Peale

My blog post for the 2006 Advent Blog Tour (just under the wire!):

Tis but the space of an hour before jolly ol’ St. Nick will be winging his way through skies overhead, fulfilling the fondest wishes of children the world over. With a little help from moms and dads and grandmothers and grandfathers, of course. Despite the fact that I am an adult and it has been a very full and busy holiday season, I can still sense the magic and wonder I felt on this night when I was young and believed in Santa Claus. At the same time I remember the awe I felt at when looking up at star-filled winter skies, thinking of the shepherds and the star and the birth of our Savior. I vaguely recall the moment when I learned Santa Claus was not real but I sure do not remember being scarred by the experience in any way nor do I sense that it ever affected my other feelings about Christmas. Even today the deeper spiritual significance of Christmas in my life is cherished alongside the myth of Santa and his reindeer and a sleigh full of toys. I could not imagine it being any other way.

Tonight we watched A Christmas Story with my parents. That movie does such a good job of recalling to mind what Christmas was like to me as a child. There is such a deep connection with the nostalgia of that film. As I think about both the funny and sentimental parts of that film and as I look out my window at the stars tonight I have to say that it truly is a wonderful life. That is not to say there aren’t problems. I caused some extra work and problems for myself today while finishing some furniture that my father made for Mary and I for Christmas. My mistake is going to cost me several hours of corrective work. And though I am very disappointed and frustrated by the experience I still can’t help but quiver with the anticipation of the season and be grateful for the life I have been given. And even though Mary, Tori and I have opened our gifts just the thought of Christmas with my parents, my brother, and his family makes me smile. I look forward to “Merry Christmas” phone calls, wonderful food, lots of laughs and more exchanging of gifts. I look forward to quality time with those I love.

As we enter the home stretch of the 2006 Christmas Season I want to wish you all the merriest of Christmases. I have enjoyed each and every G.I.F.T. post I have read and am thrilled at the level of participation. Our giving spirit was felt around the world and that is a very incredible thing. The joy I get every day from reading your blog posts and the comments that you leave here is a gift that I have been receiving all year and I anticipate much more of that giving and receiving in the coming year. You all are a wonderful group of people. I hope everyone has a fantastic time regardless of where you are, what you are doing, or who you are spending time with.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.
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For me this day also brings with it an underlying feeling of sadness and melancholy. I enjoy this time of year so much and yet the bittersweet feeling of it all coming to an end for another year is right there under the surface. Because of that I share this with you: