To the editor:
As a guy who loves the Christmas season, I wish to share two events that made even more Christmas memories for me.
This spring, I watched a Clardy home movie of Christmas Day made by my Daddy in 1965. It was truly extraordinary. Later in 2021, I watched a home movie I made in the late 1980s. It was Christmas Eve and could have been a scene from a Christmas card. The fireplace was going, candles were burning, stockings were hung, the Christmas tree was beautiful, our electric train was dutifully chugging under the tree and the porch lights were amazing. I remember thinking that it couldn’t get any better than this. And then a soft voice whispered, “Just listen.”
It occurred to me that our stereo was playing my all time favorite country Christmas song, ” Christmas in Dixie.” I will tell people to this day that I believe Jesus paid me a personal visit on that Christmas Eve. Now, as I approach yet another incredible Christmas season, I am pleased beyond words. Even if you are not an older guy such as I, I would still remind my neighbors that you’ll get Christmas 2021 only once. Make the most of the it.
Be mindful of the reason for the Season. Wish everyone you meet a “Merry Christmas”. Send Christmas cards. Visit the sick and elderly. You will receive unbelievable gratitude in return and you will experience a lightness in your step. Hold your family even closer. Tell someone that You love them. Take the time to notice the little things in life. If someone has hurt you, now is thew time to forgive. You’ll be a happier person. Appreciate and pray for our incredible country. I wish all my neighbors a most joyous Christmas Season.
Above all, my friend, I wish you peace. Merry Christmas.
Bobby Clardy
Toccoa