By Susan Simmons

The Christmas memories that have always stayed with me are really simple. I remember my two brothers, two sisters and Mama and Daddy.

Every Christmas Eve, the times that we all were together as a family, Daddy would always tell us some type of a funny story. We always had some kind of Christmas presents but with all the family, food and special times I just wanted my own birthday present wrapped in birthday paper not Christmas paper. My wish came true as I got older. My Aunt Nita gave me my first birthday gift wrapped in yellow paper. I was proud I was about 13, my own lipstick, my own compact (Cover Girl). About 45 years later I reminded her of that event. That Christmas I got another lipstick and compact (Estee Lauder). I’ve come up in the world since I was 13. I would not tell her but I thought more of the Cover Girl.

That time was so very special to me even now grown up at my age. I have always been truly blessed with family and friends and I really see now how blessed I really was.

How special can it be when you are born on Baby Jesus’ birthday? The baby that would grow up to bring peace and good will toward men. The master of miracles, our Creator has done an awesome job in creating the universe and is so much more than a genie in a magic lamp ready to obey our every wish and command for our human earthly desires. It might be that we really don’t know best of all.

We should love each other and be kind or our fellow man and pray for the leaders of this universe. To remember to be content and grateful for all we have on this earth.