All my family gathered on Christmas Eve at my Mother’s house and had, as nearly as possible, our traditional Christmas celebration.  As is tradition, I prepared the meal, this year I fixed home-made pizza.  Maybe it was just within me but it seemed to be almost a farewell to what we had all known and shared since childhood.  Mother was in her room in her hospital bed and seemed to know and sometimes respond to those around her, but it was truly different. I received some of the best presents I have ever received.  I received thanks from my brother for preparing the meal and for getting some of the other parts of the evening organized.  Does that sound odd?  Maybe! But it was so meaningful to me.  I received smiles from many members of my family.  That isn’t unusual but was very special this year.  I received help and heartwarming thanks from the lady that cares for my Mother; she has become a part of the family.  We aren’t a huggy/kissy family so when I received a few hugs I accepted them as very special gifts.  But the most special gift I received was being allowed to spend one more Christmas with my Mother and my family in the setting where I have celebrated Christmas for some sixty four years. I must be very hard- headed because it has taken me so many years to finally realize in a personal way the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas, in truth, has nothing to do with decorations, presents, food, or stress.  Christmas is a point in our long year when we are brought face to face with the birth and reality of love.  Christmas is that one day of the year when we are brought face to face with Jesus; we are brought face to face with love. I am sure none of you and neither did I, open a present and find a package of love.  I did receive love in every present I opened.  It wasn’t in those presents; it was in the faces, words, and actions of my family.  God so love me that he gave me His Son to die for me, but he also gave me so many people to affirm that love He has for me.  I had a wonderful Christmas.  I received what I truly needed and it fits perfectly.  I hope to wear it every day.  I don’t even care if wearing it so much wears it out because I feel confident that God will renew it.  My simple prayer is that I have learned to love and will share the love I have been given with all I meet.  I believe it is more blessed to give than receive so I desire to give and give and give every ounce of love that is within me.  I had a lovely Christmas!