Hi-

Well, Im glad that youre back! Im so disappointed to know that the past few months were challenging to you. But the future is left to conquer.

Could it be that the neighbors decorations are influencing your energy to be creative? I consider the Nativities to be a positive start to beginning your Christmas season, and maybe even the biggest part of any decorating schemes. On the other hand, Ive known many people who just could not find the will to decorate for the holidays while grieving the loss of loved ones. So youve done nothing so far to justify feeling awful. God wants you to be joyful during this season. Only do whats left with the decorations as it pleases you to do so. As I mentioned, the Nativities are well-enough and you do understand the natural spirit of Christmas. The work and time constraints are regretful but its not your fault that you have no additional energy to give.

I say just keep demonstrating the spirit of Christmas by your keen understanding of the value of this special season, which is as you say within Christs sacred birth. Happy holidays!!

MY opinion regarding this: I don't care if the neighbors build skyscrapers out of lights and have action figures in their outdoor creches (complete with camels). What THEY do is a reflection of what they THINK they should do, what their FAMILY wants, whether or not they can outdo their neighbors, very little to do with the life of Jesus. He was an actual infant; he popped his diapers; he cried; he nursed at Marys breast; he got irritated. This wasn't the "golden child" who knew everything! HE WAS HUMAN, that's the point of His coming here, to BE one of US. So the real heart of Christmas is the heart of Jesus, his lifelong journey, his growing into the wisdom for which he was born, his acceptance of this difficult journey. He had to walk hundreds of miles in sandals; he had to sleep in the woods to avoid the throngs who wanted to be healed! AND he had to face the ever present danger of the Pharisees and Sadduces. He cried and was afraid in the Garden of Gethsemane; he asked the Father to allow this cup to pass but then he accepted it in humility and obedience. Christmas is the hallmark of the beginning of a remarkable life, the perfect Human, full of JOY, full of wonder at HIS creation, who had anger at those who were perverting the message of God, who loved unconditionally those who were rejected by others, who healed, who laughed, who cried, who held children close to himself, who gave and gave again and again. THAT is the "light" that shines; IT'S INSIDE YOU. Tree, no tree, decorations, no decorations, none of this matters. THE LIGHT IS INSIDE YOU, it is Him, alive, glorious, merciful, feeling our pain, healing and pouring out grace every single day. THIS is your Christmas "decoration" : a lifetime of love for you that is so deep you cannot even imagine it; a lifetime of communication every single day (YES God DOES communicate if only we would SEE and HEAR), a lifetime of grace, forgiveness, understanding and compassion. So don't worry about Christmas trees. YOU ARE THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

I think what might help is getting out and going to church on Christmas. Going to some Christmas events & parties. Go look at the lighting around town. And remember what christmas is truly about