What makes this ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for you?
GIVING A GREAT GIFT
For many people, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I, too, love the holidays and all that they bring (visits from family and friends, engaging in fun traditions, eating delicious cookies), but my favorite part of the holidays is giving gifts to my friends and family. Getting presents is enjoyable, but giving them is the greatest thrill.
Why is this my favorite part of the holidays? I love making people feel appreciated and joyful. When giving a gift, I search for something that will make the person receiving the gift smile, something they can enjoy for a long time. I don’t just grab something to fulfill an obligation. I choose something that will brighten someone’s life. It can be a book they want to read or a box of home-baked desserts. But whatever it is, there is nothing that can compare to the feeling of handing someone a gift and knowing that it will improve their life in a small, meaningful way.
Leona Petrovic
Parents are served by Verendrye Electric Cooperative
LOVE AND JOY
Christmas is my favorite time of the year.
But, it’s not because Santa will come here.
Christmas is about love and joy,
Not because you got a toy.
It’s a wonderful time of the year, because a sit-down family meal,
Is a very good deal.
To make a good feast,
You might need some yeast.
How about some turkey,
Or some beef jerky?
It doesn’t matter what’s on your plate.
Jesus’ birthday is the reason we celebrate!
Dalton Hunt, age 10
Parents are served by Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
CHRISTMAS TREE MEMORIES
Memories of two little sisters in flannel gowns, giggling and sleepless, anticipating descending the stairs to the Christmas tree with wrapped treasures.
Memories of a church decorated with poinsettias and a beautiful, elegant Christmas tree that served as the backdrop for two young loves to say their wedding vows.
Memories of ornaments lovingly unveiled each year, as a long-lost friend coming to visit.
Memories of pattering feet scurrying in the morning to the Christmas tree with the angel on top as faithful as a soldier standing guard.
Memories of a Christmas tree where loved ones sat in bygone years. Despite their spot now being empty, we remember them with joy.
Memories of the haphazard Christmas tree swaddled in homemade ornaments assembled by little ones with popsicle sticks, glitter, cotton balls and ribbons.
Memories of the Christmas tree makes this the most wonderful time of the year, with reminders of what the season is all about: love from above, our families, our country and our fellow community.
Carla Barnes
Verendrye Electric Cooperative
RECEIVING BLESSINGS
To me, December is “the most wonderful time of the year” for two reasons. First, we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the most precious gift we could receive. What gift can top this?
Second, it is truly a joy to open the mailbox this month to discover cards, letters and photos of dear family and friends. Such a pleasure! These two blessings make December “the most wonderful time of the year” to me.
Yvonne Sortland-Stegner
Slope Electric Cooperative
SPECIAL MAIL
Receiving all that special mail
Makes December anything but stale.
It seems that each day, greetings arrive without fail.
As the events of the year are unveiled.
Form letters are fine by me,
The Christmas atmosphere isn’t changed to any degree.
Mail call provides its own glee;
For a little while, one is worry-free.
The greetings from far and near,
Indicate that “the most wonderful time of the year” is here!
Lucille Des Roches
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
JANUARY: If you had one wish for North Dakota in 2021, what would it be and why?
Deadline for submission: Dec. 11
FEBRUARY: What was the best decision you made in regard to your post-secondary education?
Deadline for submission: Jan. 13
We want to hear FROM you: We pay $25 for each letter we print. Submissions are subject to edit and should be no more than 250 words. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727.
