Carolina Christmas

A mix of freezing rain and snow is falling on parts of eastern North Carolina. This is the second winter weather event we've experienced this December, and at long last, it's beginning to look like Christmas. Stuck in the house with hot chocolate and Christmas tunes playing on Pandora, we pulled the decorations down from the attic and added a dash of red around the house.

And here's a Christmas treat, forwarded by a member of my critique group. Enjoy.

Tis The Season To...

If you can believe Wal-Mart and Cracker Barrel, it's Christmas time in the city. My calendar claims otherwise, but since I just flipped the page to November, the celebration in which we observe Christ's birth by making a list of wants and getting fairly piffed if we don't receive at least 50% of the bounty is just around the corner.

So family, listen up. This year, let's make it real. You know I love shiny and dangly, but let's go for useful. I'd love a pair of double-pointed knitting needles so I can learn how to knit socks for you. Several boxes of fabric softener sheets would be lovely as well, or something else that will be used on a regular basis and not be cast aside when the thrill is gone.

Better yet, let's help someone else. Especially someone who lost their job. A good old fashion pounding would surely alleviate the pounding they received. When money is tight, who wouldn't need a few pounds of flour, sugar, boxed cereals, canned goods and more? And let's give the good stuff, not the cans of spinach or lima beans stuck in the back of the pantry.

And with the treasures, let's include a reminder of why we observe Christmas in the first place. The birth of the One foretold in Genesis 3:15—the Focus of John 3:16. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world might be saved through him (Jn 3:17) So Merry Christmas everyone!

My next post will cover Independence Day. After all, it's, oh, only eight months away.