My Best Christmas Ever

Date: Friday, December 05, 2008

My best Christmas ever has yet to come. For those who know my family, you
know that Ashley and I are expecting a son. Ashley has been pressing me to
name him; so, as a surprise to her, I will announce that his name is Jacob Carl
Love. (Do not fret; we have spent hours discussing possible names and I
know this one to be an approved choice). Like his father, he will be the
youngest of three boys. We are told he will be born on January 10, 2009 and
that is why my best Christmas has yet to come.

To me, Christmas has always been about family. I grew up with two
older brothers and Christmastime, though hectic, was always a time where
we would return home and spend time together. As a family, we celebrated
the season – going to pick out a tree, decorating the tree, decorating the
house and carrying on the other traditions of Christmas. Christmas Eve, we
would go to Calvary for the service and then,we would tour around looking
at the decorations all over town. Christmas was one time a year when we
could count on everyone being together.

Now,my brothers and I each have our own family and each of us has
started our own traditions. Though I maintain the memories of my
Christmases as a child and try to carry on some of the same traditions, I
know that Christmas is no longer about what I want to do; it’s all about the
boys. Each year, it seems easier and easier to get caught up in the stresses of
the season and adding children into the mix makes it that much more difficult.
However, I am constantly reminded that my mother had three sons and
was somehow able to make it through Christmas while enabling us to take
away from the season more than just a few toys. She enabled us to experience
Christmas as a whole.

I want to do the same for my boys. I want them to not only enjoy
receiving and giving gifts, but I want them to be able to know the true meaning
of Christmas and I want them to be able to experience the many events
and activities that make Christmas the “most wonderful time of the year.”
One measure of success for Ashley and me came just the other day.
We were cleaning up and Ashley was putting away some of Andrew’s toys.
She was also making efforts to put aside some of them to donate. As you
other parents know, when your child catches you during this process, it may
not always end pleasantly. Ashley explained to Andrew that not everybody
gets to have toys and she was putting those toys aside for other boys and
girls who do not have toys. Andrew looked at her and asked if he could help.
He, too, wanted to give toys to other boys and girls. He began going through
his toys and as he would pick one up, you could see his mind racing as he
thought about when he last played with that toy, would it make a good present
or would he miss it. It was a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to learn
of his willingness to share with others.

I am truly blessed for the gifts I have received and for the family that
I have. We all are. This holiday season,my mind and heart will be heavy with
thoughts of the Miller family. For those unfamiliar, Kole Miller is a four-yearold
who attends McLaurin Elementary and has recently been diagnosed with
an inoperable brain tumor. I cannot help but think how trying this Christmas
will be on their family. Explaining facts of life to a four-year-old is never easy
and I admire Lori and Sollie. I pray for their continued efforts while at St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital and for the ability for them to keep hope
and enjoy this season with Kole. Fortunately, I have been able to play a small
role in helping this family and I have done so because I know that I, too,would
need help if faced with their challenges. The feelings that surface in watching
this community rally around the Millers are feelings of goodness and kindness.
These are feelings of Christmas.

I find it difficult to write about Christmas without incorporating
some of the familiar clichés; however, Christmas truly is a season of sharing.
I have grown to realize that my memories are not special because of the silly
traditions I shared with my family growing up or that I share with my family
now; but rather, the memories are special simply because we were all together
sharing them as a family.

This year, when finances may not be what they have traditionally
been, don’t take for granted the blessings bestowed upon you. Remember to
look around and enjoy Christmas for the joyful season it is.
Celebrate the togetherness that is Christmas and, remember, our BEST
CHRISTMAS EVER has yet to come.

ED LOVE

IN HIS OWN WORDS Ed Love is an attorney with Willcox Law Firm in Florence. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Florence.
They have two children, Andrew and Henry, and are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their third son, Jacob, due on January 10, 2009.