Crystal Graham: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Was it Ben Crosby who once sang those words we now hear over and over on the radio waves?

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know,
Where treetops glisten, and children listen,
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
Sounds magical, doesn’t it?
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.

I love the mental images that come with snow … snow angels, snowmen, snow ice cream, snow sledding, snow fights …

It brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood.

This year, we may be blessed with a dusting of the white stuff – just like the Christmas carol wishes for – if meteorologists are correct.

And while most of us love the idea of a white Christmas, it seems that many of us panic when it is actually forecast for Christmas day.

“What? It can’t snow on Christmas!”

In our case, last I heard, we were looking at a small amount of snow falling on Thursday night into Friday morning.

Just enough to make everything look fresh and beautiful Christmas morning.

If you are like me at Christmastime, there’s little time for rest – stopping in at Christmas parties for days – off to the grandparents, my father’s house, my mother’s house, and finding time for my sister-in-law and her children, my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

It’s what I term holiday madness – one thing after another.

I had a friend recently suggest that next year my husband and I spend the holidays together – somewhere far away.

A true family Christmas.

I tend to enjoy spending the time with family and friends over the holidays – even if it means needing a day to recuperate.

But I think a lot can be said for the occasional slowdown of the holiday.

After all, I believe Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus, spending time with family and enjoying the simple pleasures that we are all so blessed to enjoy.

Time to enjoy family with less emphasis on presents and food … and more time to simply enjoy one another.

If the forecast proves true, and we all have a little snow this holiday weekend … some trips may have to be postponed.

And we may be stuck inside with our families a little longer than expected.

In the grand scheme of things, that wouldn’t be so bad.

Would it?

If snow can slow down Christmas morning even just this one year, I would be thankful.

Here’s one vote for waking up on Christmas morning – and not rushing anywhere.

But enjoying a morning in my pajamas at home cuddled up with my beautiful husband.

And spending quality time together – if only for a few hours.

Before the holiday rush.

The mental image itself gives me all the more reason to sing …

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas …