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Show Pt-e Two, Section Three - The SprinjviBe Herald - December 25, 2003 1oiH3ay totals! f ' 5 . ' t k. .. w- v . 1 ft a "V" v""' - i " ,4. I v . , . I . 1 ' "' : . ' ' ' ' f r- - ' ' v f ' ) , f W fTYSl J h10IICI5(J ff &m Combination ; fypirts Jan. 7. 2004 1 w If ma faffiA BxpirtS Jan. 7, 2004 I to M 0 f r ": t- , fulfil fi)fsts! Permanent ! Make-Up 1 Service ! pir$ Jan. 7, 2004 I 9ll 9 gooefo by Benita Lewis Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and old friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. I had not believed this until a small, elf-like student with wide, innocent eyes and soft, rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas. Mark was an 11 -year-old orphan who lived with his aunt-a bitter, middle-aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister's small son. She never failed to remind young Mark that, but for her generosity, gener-osity, he would be a homeless home-less vagrant. Still, with all the scolding and chilliness at home, .he was a sweet and gentle child. I had not noticed Mark .particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt's anger, I later found) to help me straighten up the classroom. We did this quietly quiet-ly and comfortably not speaking spea-king much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day. When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered remem-bered a kind, gentle, loving woman who always spent much time with him. As Christmas drew nearer, near-er, however, Mark failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming com-ing and when, as days passed and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room af- Jhnnoe fln"Z)dln)nnm)$ As I ' was contemplating contemplat-ing what Christmas tradition tradi-tion I could write about I was stricken with a feeling feel-ing of family inadequacy. Don't get me wrong, I have celebrated a lifetime of very Merry Christmas seasons sea-sons but our traditions are so common. I have chosen to () (j c r 12 G ter class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped me in the room. "I miss being with you, Mark. I something wrong at home?" Those large grey eyes eagerly ea-gerly lit up. "Did you really miss me." "Yes, of course. You are my best helper." "I was making you a surprise," he whispered confidentially. con-fidentially. "A surprise for Christmas." With that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn't stay after school anymore after that. Finally, the last day of class before the holidays arrived. ar-rived. Mark crept slowly into the room late mat afternoon with his hands concealing something behind his back. "I have your present," he said timidly when I looked up. "I hope you like it." He held out his hands and there lying in his small palms wa a tiny wooden chest. "It's beautiful, Mark. blame the lack of new traditions tradi-tions or even the continuation of original traditions on the hectic season. By the time Christmas Eve comes around, the chance to relax is most enjoyable. : Maybe this explains the simplicity of our Christmas Eve dinner, complete with pizza, followed by movie night featuring the timeless classic "Christmas Vacation." Vaca-tion." Before the family turns in we leave treats for Santa - he appreciates shrimp. Although the Christmas morning festivities start much later each year as my family fam-ily grows older, they become more and more meaningful. My family is finally beginning begin-ning to realize the thought that is put into each gift. Miracles really do happen, and there's no better time than Christmas to restore our faith in the Lord and our fellow man. Best wishes and heartfelt thanks to all our neighbors. We appreciate your trust in us. Is mere something in it?" I asked, opening the top and looking in. 'Oh, you can't see what's in it," he replied. "And you can't touch it, or taste it, or feel it, but Mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, and warm on cold nights, and safe when you're all alone." I gazed into the empty box. "What is it, Mark," I asked gently, "that will make me feel so good?" "It's love," he whispered softy, "and Mother always said it's best when you give it way." He turned and quietly left the room. . so now, I keep a small toy chest crudely made of scraps of wood On the piano in my living room. I only smile when inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to mem that there is love inside it. Yes, Christmas is for gaiety gai-ety and mirth and song, for rich food and wondrous gifts, but mosdy, Christmas is for love. After Christmas morning at my house, we venture to my grandparents house where my grandpa is busily cooking cook-ing the traditional anticipated banana pancakes and lemon sauce: fc a house full of family-T " The day is not over with breakfast. Next the cousins gather to watch "Christmas Vacation" at least once during dur-ing the 24 hour air time. This little assignment to write about Christmas traditions tradi-tions has caused mixed emotions. emo-tions. I feel the need to the bring an original family tradition tradi-tion to the Christmas season. Yet I don't know many families who leave shrimp for Santa or who even know about the delicacy of banana pancakes and lemon sauce. .'fee. 9 Ho-ho-hold on for a magical holiday season, filled with pleanty of love and laughter all around! Thanks so much for the gift fo your friendship over the past year. 885 N. Main - Springville 491-1390 -t- Jr fs5 "E3 |