It’s December. The year is coming to an end. If you’re like me, you are looking forward to a better time, a do over, so to speak. We need a new beginning with no COVID-19, no stress and worry about what’s next.

It’s an unusual Christmas this year. For us in Utah, no snow! We’re told not to gather for family celebrations, no work parties, and limited Church services.

Through it all, I still decorate the house, hang lights on the eves, put on Christmas music, and watch all the new Hallmark Christmas movies, over and over again…. I bake my special breads that only come out this time of year and give them to my neighbors and friends that shared in the chaos of 2020 along with me. And I don’t forget the people who come to my house nearly everyday; my mail carrier, my trash collector, and my newspaper deliverer. It’s just a little, but the thanks and delightful expressions seen on their faces warms my heart. It gives me reassurance of the community connection we all share, even while still distancing.

I still keep the tradition of writing notes to keep in touch. I send out Christmas cards to family and friends far away. Some of you may think that silly, as we have email and social media which is so much easier. But, I am old school. To me there is nothing more special than receiving a hand written letter from a loved one.

Another tradition in my home is to read a Christmas story every night the week before the big guy in the red suit comes. (Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus.) I buy a new holiday children’s book every year to add to my HUGE collection. This year I purchased two Hanukkah books. Though I am not Jewish, I was included in a Jewish family years ago that taught me the customs and celebrations of their holidays. I learned how to make challah (the braided egg bread), latkes (the potato pancakes), and a “to-die-for” brisket from a Jewish grandmother who I loved dearly. We chanted the blessings when lighting the menorah. The children played spin the dreidel and collected gelt, the chocolate coins. It’ s a beautiful and joyous celebration of family, freedom and light.

Speaking of light, I got to see the “Christmas Star" the night of the winter solstice, December 21. Jupiter and Saturn appear so close together that they appear as one star to the naked eye. It’s said that nearly 400 years ago the planets passed this close to each other, and nearly 800 years since the alignment occurred in the sky so people could actually see it. How lucky for us to see such a sight.

So in ending I say to you all, we need a bit of Christmas right now. No matter what your beliefs, tis the season to be looking for the story of the manger, the singing of the choir, the king on a white horse, and an eye toward the future. 2020 has taken so much from us, but it can’t take our salvation and peace.

Merry Christmas to all and God bless

Skip’s mom, Cb