Merry Christmas, or bah-humbug

Merry Christmas everyone! All around us we see seasonal decorations and hear fun songs - you know, in the stores, houses and street corners. I love seeing all the lights on the houses and in people's yards. I don't think it is ever too early to think about Christmas. It is my favorite holiday.

Giving is better than receiving. We've heard that a lot, but it's really true. It's a holiday that you get presents, and it is really fun. A favorite part is that I get to see a lot of my family that I don't get to see often. I like getting presents - don't get me wrong, but I also truly love giving. I love seeing faces light up with smiles and just watching them enjoy their new gifts. That is one of my favorite things in life.

Also, Christmas has a really neat background to it. No one really knows when Jesus was born, but everyone celebrates it on Christmas. You know the story. How there was no room in the inn, so Mary had Jesus in a stable. Later, wise men came. They even gave him really nice gifts.

In many ways, this story relates to us today. Many times, we don't fit in - just like Jesus didn't. I think just about everyone has their own Christmas story and can relate to Christmas somehow. I know I can.

Many people have their own Christmas traditions, too. For instance, we go to my dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve. We eat lots of finger foods and Christmas-time snacks and exchange gifts. Last year, we even did a photo scavenger hunt. That was a lot of fun.

Then on Christmas morning, it is just the four of us - my dad, mom, brother and me. We usually have a really big Christmas breakfast. Later, we get together with my mom's side of the family for more food and exchanging of gifts. Even later that day, it is just the four of us again. We watch new movies and play new games together. It is the best family day.

You all know about Ebenezer Scrooge. He hated Christmas, and always said "Bah-humbug." Well, the story is fiction, for one. And do you really know anyone who doesn't like Christmas? It's one of those holidays that no one can hate.

It's a holiday of kindness, love and friendships. And the greatest of these is love because it was through God's love that He sent His son, Jesus, to save us. In my opinion, you have to be out of your mind to not like Christmas. (Of course, I think you are out of your mind if you don't like chocolate either, but that's just me). I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Speaking of the New Year, what is your New Year's resolution going to be? I haven't thought too much about mine yet. I love starting a new year, though. Everything seems fresh. Our family has a tradition for New Year's Eve, too. We usually stay home and play games. My mom always helps my brother and me fill in our new calendars, and then, at midnight we have a toast with sparkling apple cider and pop those confetti poppers all over the place.

I'd like to leave you with a quote from Hamilton Wright Mabi, "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

Until next year ....

n Christina Connell is a freshman at Carson High School.