This year the family has, for the first time in years, felt like the season has come so quickly we just don’t feel as “merry” as we usually do.  We have stumbled through the last few months considering the changes that once again are at foot in our lives.  With the restructuring of my husbands job and the opportunities for change, we’ve just been too busy.

Well, last week I finally bought a new tree and put it up.  We all laughed as it’s a skinny tree that snugs up nicely next to the fireplace.  It currently has one ornament on it, and that is all this skinny tree will see other than lights this year.  I also put some lighted garland up the banister and a nice scene of snowmen in the front hall.  And lastly, there is one large standing ornamental pot with sticks and lights on the counter.  We all agree that we need to spend more time in the front hall as it’s the only room in the house (if I can call it a room) that has the feel of merriment.

All that being said, last night we decided we needed to spend family time together and get with the program and enjoy the lights and lawn decor that so many take so much time to put up.  We’ve lived in our current home nearly 8 years and we have heard about a neighborhood about 5 miles away that calls itself Candy Cane Lane.  People drive from all over to go through it and see all of the houses and their charming Christmas decorations.  We had not yet driven through Candy Cane Lane and decided last night we needed to.  So, I made some air popped (organic) popcorn  (I had to dig out the air popper out of the basement because we no longer eat popcorn) and filled two bags, one for the kids, one for my husband and myself and we drove over to this neighborhood.  We were amazed to see the line of cars sitting on the main road waiting to turn onto Candy Cane Lane, which wound around about 8 long streets.  It was a beautiful sight and quite entertaining as we saw everything from blow up dinosaurs to flying pigs to the reminders of the birth of Christ.  Some of our favorites were the snoopy and Disney themed lawns as well as the simply elegant lighted displays that didn’t offer anything other than white lights lining driveways, bushes, trees and the houses.

The best display of all was one that should be a reminder to all of the true meaning of Christmas.  It had spot lights on a simple sign that showed a tree, and a  hand holding a stake with a written reminder of the grace of the Lord who sent His son to die for the sins of sinners.  I wish I had taken a picture of it as it was quite nicely done.  We laughed out loud and thought the funniest display was the house next door to this one that had one sign made out of plywood with lights that spelled out “ditto” and an arrow pointing at the sign next door.

We came home and drove around our own neighborhood enjoying the lights, until we pulled up into our own driveway… We all at the same time said, “Oh look at this house, they must be Jewish.”  (you guessed it… for the first time in 8 years… no outside decor dresses this house.  Actually… I think it’s the first time in 21 years our home hasn’t seen christmas decor outside.  Not even a wreath!  Quite different than the days when my husband was just like Clark Griswold and placed lights on the roof.  From 1/2 mile away at the top of the street you could see a halo of lights it was so bright.)

We enjoyed our family evening driving around, eating popcorn and looking at the lights. Are we in the Christmas merriment spirit?  That’s yet to be seen…

Either way, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope that you will be reminded that this season isn’t about us, lights, gifts or food.  It’s about the birth of the Messiah who came in the flesh for the sole purpose of teaching and bleeding for His sheep that are called to follow Him.  A sacrifice, for the sins of those who will one day be with Him in an eternal Kingdom.