Christmas was magical while growing up as a child in Connecticut. There was always a fresh wreath on the door and just before Christmas Eve a beautiful tree would be put up ... just a plain tree with no adornment. Bedtime couldn't come fast enough as we knew Santa was making his worldwide trip and we were ready. The manger was under the tree awaiting the baby Jesus who would always make an appearance on Christmas morning.

We awoke quietly and peeked from our bedrooms and, to quote Clement Moore, “what to my wondering eyes should appear” the most glorious Christmas tree with lights twinkling and ornaments gleaming and, of course, tinsel to match the icicles hanging from the roof. Baby Jesus was snug in his manger and at the top of the tree closest to the star, bits of Santa's beard shining in the tree branches.

Let us remember the awe we felt at the sight of Baby Jesus and a fullness of spirit as we looked at the beautiful shining star on Christmas morning.A blessed Christmas to all.

Pat AlexanderBoone