by 
I was born and reared in Deep Gap, North Carolina (just outside of Boone, NC). There were four boys in our family; we were stair-steps in age and height. We were a country family and kind of large at that, and we were instilled with basic Christian values and morals. Mom and Dad worked hard to provide for us and give us a better life. Funny; we were poor by today’s standards, but we never knew it. I guess no one ever told us.
Christmas was, and still is, a special time for me. One year, I remember, in the mountains it was cold and blowing snow. I was five-years-old I think. In our little mountain home. the tree was lit with large colorful bulbs, filled with tinsel icicles and handmade ornaments. The fire was crackling in the fireplace and we surrounded the TV. All four of us boys were on the floor in pyjamas watching Frosty and Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer on CBS. (The only channel we could get.) Then it was bedtime. We had to go to sleep because Santa was coming. (But we never slept long.)
In the kitchen Mom was baking cookies and a cake for Christmas Day. You could hear her singing “Silent Night,” then “Joy To The World.” Dad was watching TV, or so we thought. You could smell the aromas and sense the excitement. IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE!
I am not sure of the time, but there was a loud thump on the house and we all jumped out of bed. Mom came into the room and said we had to be quiet because Santa was outside. She said if he saw us, he would pass our house. We heard all kind of noises. We were so excited. But we just could not go see Santa. Mom kept us in the room and she told us stories of Christmas long ago. Soon we dropped back off to sleep. Years later Dad told us he dropped the box of presents because he lost his footing on the steps. I said really? It sure sounded like Santa to me!
Next morning at the break of day, we were up. But Mom and Dad were also up and in the kitchen. The smells of eggs, bacon, biscuits, coffee and cinnamon rolls filled the air. As we roared out of our room, we saw toys under the tree, gifts with our names on them, bags of fruit, candy and cookies. Mom and Dad entered the living room and watched with large smiles. Within a matter of minutes, wrapping paper was everywhere. Laughter filled the air. We played for what seemed like hours; we played army, board games, sang and we were family! Mom called us to breakfast. As we sat down, Mom and Dad shared what Christmas is really about and the Christmas story was told. We said “grace” over that country breakfast and we were family, celebrating the greatest day of the year.
Now time has changed our family. But those simple memories of those holidays and family time long ago still burns bright to me. What I have learned and held true in my heart is one simple thing: that child-like faith can change the world. Through the eyes of a child we can see the good in mankind. We can reach out to others in love and respect. One Child changed the world for good and after some 2000 years, the Christ Child is still the most revered and talked about person to ever affect so many people for good. His life has life changing effects on all who believe.
I still believe.