My Calendar says 23 Days Until Christmas

December 1 is almost over and now you and I have only 23 more shopping days until Christmas. Now, I must tell you, that I call this Christmas, Christmas tree, the birth of Jesus, and everything else of a religious nature. When exiting Wal-Mart today, a volunteer was ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, a charity I respect tremendously. I dropped some cash into the kettle and the man said, "thank you and happy holidays." I almost wanted to get my money out; instead, I said, "Merry Christmas to you". Thankfully, he returned with a response of "Merry Christmas". I was so happy about that. I hope that I will offend no one and that if you do not think of this as Christmas, I pray that you will at least consider the possibility.
Even so, I put too much emphasis on giving I'm sure, but I do love to give to others. I love to see such appreciation and excitement in little faces and big faces. The only problem with me is that Christmas comes and goes too quickly. People seem to be so much happier during the holidays, more polite, and more friendly; however, once the day is over, some folks tend to go back to their homes and forget why we celebrate Christmas and why we have the time off from work to spend with our loved ones. I am guilty of not holding on to the Christmas spirit as much as I should. Our pastor helped others and me this year when we celebrated the meaning of Christmas in July. We were reminded that love, kindness, patience, meekness, gentleness are all virtues we should demonstrate all year round. I'm trying.
Thank all of you, my readers, for enduring my blogging. May you have a blessed day today and everyday.