Guarding Over Christmas

This angel has guarded over Christmas for my family for likely close to 60 years. She sits on top of my parent’s Christmas tree and for me, seeing her placed on top of the tree each year when I was a child was truly a sign that Christmas was near. Beneath her gaze, I would sit and pour through the Sears Roebuck catalog, carefully reading the description of every doll, doll buggy, doll high chair, doll clothes, and doll feeding set that populated its pages. Her loving gaze and gentle fairy-like glow brought me excitement for the season and hope for Santa’s visit in my childhood eyes.

I have not been the only one that she has watched over. She has seen each of my brothers and sisters as babies at their first Christmases and watched them grow through the years. She has looked down as our family grew even further with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And she has seen us all bear the sadness of the holidays celebrated without some of the ones that we love to hold close. Though our family has changed through the years, and we all look a bit older, she has not aged. She once again sits on top of my parent’s tree, steadfastly guarding over Christmas for yet another year.

I’m no longer a child and Sears Roebuck no longer sends out an annual Christmas catalog. And I know now of course that Christmas is about so much more than the excitement of a new toy. For me, it’s about continuing to enjoy it through the eyes of the children in my life – their joy and excitement about everything that is Christmas to them – the tree, the lights, the music, their family together, learning the traditions that we hand down, and yes, their new toys. I also believe that it’s about remembering. Remembering those that aren’t here with us to celebrate. And remembering that we are never alone. We are watched over, guided and guarded, by something that is greater than ourselves. The angel on top of mom’s tree reminds me of this, and all the power of love and hope that this season holds.

Wishing you and your family a Christmas that is guided by love, guarded with care, and enjoyed with the spirt and wonder of a child.