The older I get, the less "wants" for material things I have. God is graciously providing for our needs, even with me leaving the workforce in July. The need for more "things" is at the bottom of my list. Relationships are so much more important. Here's my wish list for December: spend time with family and friends, go to McAdenville to see the Christmas lights, watch Christmas movies (including It's a Wonderful Life), listen to Christmas CD's (including our old family favorite, Carpenters Christmas Collection), drink flavored coffee and hot chocolate, burn scented candles, bake and eat cookies (OK, maybe eat cookies my husband baked since he's the baker in the family), have a fire in the fireplace, turn off the lights and enjoy the glow of the Christmas tree when all is quiet at the end of the day, attend church and focus on Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas, attend at least one children's program---somewhere. Christmas just isn't Chrismas if it doesn't involve children.
I think traditions are important in unifying families. It bonds them with commonality. When I was a little girl, a December visit to McAdvenville was our family tradition. McAdenville is known as Christmas Town, U.S.A. It's a small North Carolina town that has been decorating its homes, businesses, and churches with thousands of Christmas lights during the month of December since the 1950's. Tour busses and church vans from all over bring groups to see the beautiful displays.
When our sons were growing up, we continued the tradition. As they grew older, particularly during those teen years, I had to suffer through the eye-rolling when I wanted to go to McAdvenville. Now that they have children of their own, I hope they establish traditions for their families.
But...now we have grands! I can check McAdvenville off my December to-do list. On Thursday night, we took one of our grandchildren to McAdenville to see the Christmas lights..so the tradition continues to the next generation.. No eye-rolling; just joy and wonder on his sweet little face as he bounced and waved at snowmen, Santa Clauses, and anyone passing by.
The trees and displays are much more elaborate than they were in the 1950's and 1960's when I was a child; but I still remember the anticipation of rounding the curve, where dozens of Christmas trees, covered in red, green, and white lights, surrounded a lake. Their colors were reflected back, as if in a mirror, while the center fountain glowed in ever-changing colors. Thursday night, treasured memories of those long ago Christmases flooded back.
Thank you, McAdenville, for sharing over fifty years of Christmas joy to millions of children and families. Although the town spends untold hours each year putting up and taking down the lights and decorations, I hope it is a tradition they continue for future generations to enjoy.
As your family celebrates Christmas throughout the month of December, take time to make memories, establish traditions, but most importantly--focus on the true reason for the season....Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World!
Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney
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