Willie-O,

I'm not a bit offended by your statement, but, for me--a Christian--Jesus *is* the reason. I have laughed & cried through this thread. I remember the anticipation & magic of Christmas when I was a child & I remember the joy of helping create that magic for my sons. I also remember feeling disgusted & discouraged, many years, at the ads & decorations & a gimme-gimme attitude in those same kids. There have been years when we were healthy & financially solvent. There have also been years when I was unemployed & divorced & things just didn't match up to the Hallmark ideal. Through it all, though, there has been a constant that has kept me on course--we have been in church (as we are, regularly, throughout the year) to celebrate the birth of our Savior & the gift of His life. Good times or bad times, that has been the gift that really counts. So often, we get swept away by our emotions, when what we really need to do is use our minds & remember the things that are important.

This happens to be a good year. I am employed in a fairly good job; my kids are home & healthy; I am loved. I am thankful for those things & am trying to pass on that plenty to ease the lives of some who are *not* in such a good place. If we think, though, we *all* have something for which to give thanks.

wishing you all a meaningful holiday season & your best year ever in 2000,

love,

Barbara