Christmas is the gift of love

The gift of love is available to all of us and there is no finer gift!

For many years the approaching holiday seasons for me turned into "tis the season to be stressful." Cleaning, baking and shopping brought exhaustion. By the time Christmas Eve rolled around I had lost the real meaning of this joyful event. Besides my immediate family, my extended family came to our house on Christmas, but one by one I lost a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle and my parents. The brevity of time brought the realization of the more important things in life, especially at family celebrations. It's about making memories with loved ones.

Each tree and every rock has a story at our house. Sometimes I sit in the swing and hear basketballs bouncing from little boys. I hear skateboards rolling and see Little League uniforms pitching baseballs. I see white paint on the brick wall where little boys had a paint fight and a paddling.

Our house is not large, but when it's homecoming time, love makes it a mansion.

The loving memories of three little boys who grew up still linger. The height marks of growing boys are still visible on the largest tree trunk.

Grandchildren whose little footsteps once echoed down our hall now sweep me up in big strong arms that hold me tight. It's a gift I cherish all year long.

It's a blessing to have all our sons and their family's at our house. They often begin to reminisce. They begin to talk about yesteryear.

One particular Christmas was their fondest one. We put each person's name in a basket. One by one we drew a name, even the children and grandchildren. Going around the circle, we told the person whose name we had drawn how thankful we were for the special qualities we saw in him or her. We affirmed our love for one another. An abundance of tears, laughter and hugs filled our hearts with humble gratitude.

The greatest joy for Emmitt and me came later. "It's our turn," our sons told us.

They began to relive "love" memories, expressing their thoughts and feelings in ways that stirred our hearts.

Lane said, "Dad, do you know what it's like to be the principal's kid at high school and have all the kids love my dad? I would feel so proud. "Mom, remember when I was little and asked, "Will you marry me when I grow up?"

Lance said, "Remember all the rock hunting trips you took us on, all the basketball games far and near you went to? Did I ever tell you how much those times meant to me?"

Mark said, "I love you more than you'll ever know."

Emmitt said to me, "Next to Jesus, you are the best and most special gift I could ever have." What a night to remember.

The time to love is all too short at best. Christmas is all about the gift of love.

It was about the birth of a savior who came to Earth to bring the greatest gift ever known to mankind.

The Christ Child came to bring that love and much more. That love reaches to the heart of every family member. It is where unconditional love and forgiveness reigns. Each one is loved to the uttermost, held in high esteem, and valued highly.

Hearts turn home at Christmas time…home where love abides. We celebrate Christmas because in your heart Jesus has a home! That love reaches to the heart of every person, you and me!. It is where unconditional love and forgiveness reigns. Each one is loved to the uttermost, held in high esteem and valued highly.

Give the gift of love this Christmas. It is something money cannot buy!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]