A Little Bit of Something

I headed out this evening to do some Christmas shopping.  On my own, I should add, no boys in tow.  How wonderful is that?  (thank you honey)


I miss our van.  Our "loner" van does not have a working radio.

So, it was just me and my thoughts.  

I turned onto a main street and noticed the number of houses lit up by Christmas lights.

"Wow, that is something" I said to myself.

I slowed my speed and took in the views.  Both sides of the street were just lit up.  There are some people that go ALL out 

and I'm so thankful for them.  

It's amazing.  

Fences, posts, lights on all levels, trees, wreaths, bushes, mailboxes, windows...all adorned with shiny, sparkly, miniature colored light bulbs.  

One house has a humongous tree up in front of a window that must be either in an attic or a finished 3rd floor. It's something to see, not to mention that the rest of their house and yard is just spectacularly decorated as well.

And then there are the houses that are dark.

 I'm talking about the houses without an inkling of visual holiday spirit or just plan spirit for that matter.  I'm not talking about the houses that just have their Christmas tree lights on, or the ones that have those little candle lights in their windows, or even those with just regular house hold lamps on.

These houses still have *something*, whether it is small or not. 

I'm talking about the houses that are dark.

We live in the country and most people leave their window coverings open.  I love to catch a glimpse of the insides of other peoples homes passing by.  It always makes me wonder who lives there and what lives they lead and how they differ from my own.

In a lot of houses there is not even a glimmer of *something*.

I understand not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way.  Not everyone celebrates Christmas, period.  But these houses were so dark and dreary.  Some appeared desolate.  It's cold and gray here.  With no leaves on the trees and the grass not a bright green of summer days the houses themselves seemed lonely.


And in feeling this I thought of a blog that I read earlier in the day.

she asked of her readers


What do you really want for Christmas?
...or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or Eid...that money can't buy?
 

We don't have our outside decorations up yet but the inside of our home reeks of Christmas. My Christmas spirit appears to have exploded.  The love I feel for my family conveyed in the way of festive decor. I am happy inside and I showed it.  This is my *something*  My house is lit up as is my heart. What do I really want for Christmas?  That money can't buy. I want everyone to have *something* that makes them feel good. 
A decorated house.  A hug from a relative returning home for the holidays.  A warm cup of coffee.  A smile from a stranger.  A held door.  A new baby.  A dream come true.  Memories.  A kiss.  Music. Food.  Laughter.  A good cry.  LOVE.   Feel. because it reminds us that we are  A  L  I  V  E. 
That is what I *really* want for Christmas. A little bit of something.
for everyone.