My Christmas Thoughts.

Last night when I went to bed with new sweats for my "jammies" I couldn't sleep. Now some of you might compare this age old problem to the anticipation of a child waiting for Santa Claus to come. But that would be utterly wrong. My stomach was hurting all night, and it was keeping me up! Not only that but my brother Adam, my sister Lauren, and I all slept in our living room by one of our trees. Lauren fell asleep almost instantly, and Adam was asleep off and on. But the freaking Gerbils that we have in our living room would not shut up! Anyway, I played solitaire on my i-pod until it was around 8:00 am. Then we went upstairs. Gathering by the stockings in my family room, we all began to sift through our goodies that were left by the Jolly Fat Man. Dad snapped a few pictures of us groggy children, and we all headed off for the front room where our main tree, and most importantly, our presents were! Now this year was by far not a huge Christmas, don't get me wrong, it wasn't as small as it could have been. We each got a few things but not as much as years past. As I sat there, everyone was searching for their presents, but me. I had probably just as many, but I just sat there and waited. I started to think, "This is it?", and then I thought " You know what, who cares? At least I have a Christmas. At least my family is all together. At least I have a warm home to live in. I need to be less selfish. I was happy before presents, I need to be even more happy AFTER presents.". After all the presents were opened we went and ate breakfast. But I couldn't get that off my mind. I felt guilty for having what many can't. But then I changed my attitude towards these thoughts. I wasn't having them to make myself feel guilty. I was having them to help myself feel grateful. I want us all to have a Fantastic Christmas and usher in the New Year with smiles of selflessness, and with the reality of what we truly have. Remember to think of those in need before we make a excessive list of what we need, or rather want. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and an unoriginal Happy New Year!