With all the devastation that has occured this past year, it's no wonder people are wondering how they will provide for their families this Christmas. Looking back, I've discovered that the most treasured memories come from Christmases that I had the least. They were more spiritual, memorable, and were Christ centered.

The first year of my marriage was spent in Germany with my husband. He was in the military and we had little money to spend on gifts for each other. He surprised me one evening with a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree. He was given a strand of lights from a neighbor; many were burnt out but we used them anyway. We made ornaments, garland, and the tree topper out of construction paper and paper plates.

We lit a candle to represent the Light of hope. We turned off all the lights except for the strand of lights that hung on the Christmas tree. Much to my surprise, it was the most beautiful tree I had ever seen. We sang Christmas carols and slow danced to "Silent Night".

Christmas morning we opened Christmas cards sent from family and friends back home and exchanged the one gift we bought for each other, matching slippers. It doesn't get any better than that...or more simple.

Chirstmas Blessings,
Brenda Bates