The Christmas Chain

Growing up, December was Christmas.

The evening of November 30 whet our appetites, when we would cut the construction paper into little strips.

Then, that first wonderful morning of December, we would run into the kitchen, and sure enough, draped over the doorway was our beloved chain--one link for each day until Christmas, in alternating colors (red, green, yellow, and white).

My mom was no dummy, so she folded the slips of paper twice, so there would be no cheating or peeking.  But each morning, the appropriate sister would cut a link as we all waited with bated breath to see what it would say.  We each had our color (mine was green), and it was unthinkable that any of us would dare to cut another's link in the Christmas chain. 

Decorate the Christmas tree.

Look in your stockings.

Go caroling.

Eat dinner in reverse.

Write a Christmas card.

Set out the Nativity.


[Every year, December 25 read the same: Read Luke 2.]

Oh, how we loved those special instructions!  Each day brought a new activity or treat, sometimes part of decorating for Christmas, sometimes sharing the season with others, sometimes just something delightful and unusual.

I look back and consider the monumental task my mother set for herself, managing her home with husband and four daughters and filling the already-busy Christmas season with even more labors of love.  We had no idea the coordination required to ensure that there would indeed be a thrilling bulge in our Christmas stockings on the morning we were to look there or guests lined up to go caroling on the date revealed.

But her effort was amazingly meaningful.  What a gift to us, to build into the season such anticipation, such joy, such good reminders about what an awesome gift God gave us when He sent His Son.

I have my own child now, and I hope to instill some of that hope and meaning and delight into his Christmas seasons too.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.--Isaiah 9:6