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The Timless Gift of Christmas Stories |
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Written by Melanie West, M.A.
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Tuesday, 14 October 2008 11:19 |
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by Melanie West ,M.A.
Tucked way in the attic, sorting through boxes of Christmas decorations, I glance upon a true treasure: "The Christmas Book". Now worn and tattered by the loving hands that have held this most loved tradition, my memory is flooded with kindness and joy as I recall all of the years our family has gathered together to hear one of these favored classic stories.
This family tradition began when I was only 8-years old and continued well into my teens. My mother would call us into the family room, fireplace lit lights aglow on the Christmas tree peace and quiet spreading throughout our house as we snuggled under the weight of the family quilt. It was then that my sister and I would anxiously anticipate the opening words; the beginning of a treasured tale from our most prized collection of beloved Christmas stories.
This ritual is perhaps my most loved family tradition. The memories of these times together have connected us to each other Christmas after Christmas. The stories becoming rich with meaning as my relationship with each character has grown over these many years.
Even when I had grown into a teenager, I still loved it when my mother brought out the much-loved Christmas book. It filled me with a great sense of joy and connection. As I matured, the stories grew richer as my own understanding of their meaning expanded. Steeped in tradition, knowledge, morals and values, the stories gave me new insight about life, love, family and spirituality. As I began experiencing my own personal hopes, dreams and desires, the stories took on a new layer of significance. It happened slowly, but one Christmas, I realized that as I had grown, the stories had grown with me. Now buried deep within my soul their masterfully crafted sentences had become deeply significant. As a young girl I simply loved the magic of the stories; as a young woman, I could more readily relate to the wonder and struggle the characters encountered.
There is something very powerful when a story is read aloud. The reader's voice infuses the words with passion and meaning. My mother's example has become a beacon to my sister and I to train our own voices in order to speak with confidence and joy.
It's another Christmas Season. I hold the book close to my heart. Softly, the Spirit of Christmas has been awaked. I am filled with anticipation. A smile arises. I've read these stories for over 30 years and I can't wait to read them again this year. These memories are the best gift my mother could have ever given me.
About the Author: Melanie West, M.A., Educational Psychologist, specializes in working with children with Dyslexia and concerns with Attention. She most recently encouraged her mother to publish her compilation: "The Most Loved Christmas Stories" which is available at Christmas Books . More inspiring Holiday ideas are available at: Christmas Gifts |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 14:21 |