time of giving

don't you love the spirit of giving during this time of the year, evidenced by the phenomenal masses of people at shopping complexes and some of the junk that get snapped up by customers who just want to spend, spend, spend.

I reckon it's the best time of the year for merchants because they can display old stocks and know for sure they will be cleared - just put up a big sign that says "SALE" - magic of christmas?

on a more serious note, it is wonderful to see people from all walks of life, all religions and races, having one common spirit - buying xmas presents and goodies to give away to friends and relatives.

for us christians, it's also a time of forgiving and thanksgiving. so, I forgive you, you and you. and i thank you, you and you.

i remember when the kids were growing up, we used to visit all the hotels in town to take in the lavish and grand xmas decorations and lights.

and come christmas eve, the kids and I would always go for xmas eve lunch - just me and the kids, and sometimes, when she can, Stella would join us with Andrew and Lowrie. the daddies were of course either too busy at work, or having themselves a good time getting comfortably drunk at the pub. those were good ol' days - miss them.

i would urge all parents to make christmas a memorable time for their growing kids. they grow up too fast, and soon, they will not have time nor want to be with you during christmas as they will have their own life and family. but they will always remember and think about the christmases they have had when they were young, and I pray, will pass on the tradition to their children - and the memories will carry on.

God loves the children so much - look at who Father Christmas brings presents to!

so, let's go spend and buy up the shops....... spoil the kids.... they are kids only once in their lifetime.

Merry Christmas to all.....