What's a Tree without Presents Under it?

And what are presents without the tree? And what does any of this have to do with the Savior's birth anyway?

We just had a couple neighbors stop by to welcome us to the neighborhood, man and wife, seemed like real nice folks. And not just because they brought homemade cookies and fudge. That's my favorite part of being new to a neighborhood and it sure helps, it being Christmas and all.

They wished us a Merry Christmas when they came in the door, stayed a while chatting with us, and left with a "happy holidays". Even my children noticed the change in greeting.

I think they spotted our Channukkah menorah and perhaps took note of the absence of a decorated tree laden down with wrapped packages.

I'm sure they are trying to process just what kind of people we may be. No tree for Christmas? No stockpile of gifts? Poor things, could it be that they just didn't have TIME to get a tree and decorate it? Are they too poor for presents for their 6 children? Or.....what's that nine branched thing in their living room, set up with candles....

Being a small town that loves to um...share info abut one another...perhaps they'll get help figuring us out. In the mean time, we look forward to our neighbors visiting with us and getting to know us and learning about how we do things. And maybe, just maybe...something of what we do (or don't do) to work out our faith in God and His Messiah will resonate with some of them.

Should make for interesting conversations at the fence post.

blessings,,
Gail