A Celebration of Hope

It goes without saying that Christmas is my favorite time of year. I've never really considered why, though. I know that I wait all year for this time of year. Especially this year, I've been more anxious and hopeful of it than I can recall.
When things haven't gone well, or as hoped I should say, I have had this one time of year to look forward to and know that all would be wonderful. These days leading up to Christmas are filled with craziness. Each member of my family runs about in childish delight. There are gifts to be hidden, decorations to be hung, and hundreds of recipes to bake. Cards are mailed. Movies are watched, and we drink more hot chocolate than Santa himself.
Every year is different though. Some years Daddy works more. Some years traditions are changed a bit. One year we even moved Christmas Eve to Christmas Day.
By the time Christmas Day arrives nothing else seems to matter. Whatever wrongs occurred throughout the year, whatever hurt was felt, all of this is forgotten on this one day.
Although New Years Day is officially the start of the new year, for me it begins on Christmas Day. With all disappointment lost and all pain forgotten, I find all of the hope I've been waiting for. I immediately begin thinking of the possibilities to come. All season I am surounded by my family. We seem to find energy and excitement from one another. I know that their love and encouragement will follow me into the new year.
It really isn't about the gifts or even which day Christmas is celebrated. It is about the hope that Jesus brought to us the day of His birth- a hope that is given to us so many years later.