View from the Cab: Christmas reflections

Nothing beats a small town Christmas in Central Illinois.

I cherish the memories of Christmases past with friends and family and look forward to the years ahead. We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where peace prevails and where we can remember the reason for the season without fear. We should all count our blessings each and every day – not only at this festive time of year.

Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child is most special. I cannot wait to see Kasen and Kenadee enjoy the magic surrounding the holiday. I recall those years where my brother Curt and I would wake at 3 a.m. to see what Santa had left under the tree in our small country home.

I am sure Mom and Dad appreciated us heading into their room every hour to see when we could open those presents. I can still taste Mom’s famous sugar cookies with homemade frosting. We always made sure Santa had a plate full.

Rebecca and I are still waiting for our kids to wake up extremely early on Christmas. We have been lucky so far as Kasen and Kenadee are pretty good sleepers and know not to leave their rooms right away even though they may wake early. Kasen is getting pretty wise to what may be inside a certain gift package. He knows what boxes contain clothes and which may hold a toy or two.

Christmas Eve will be extra special this year as we get to worship twice in one day with morning and evening services at the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Colfax. A little scripture, music and fellowship can easily get one into the spirit of the season. I wouldn’t mind a little snow to add to the holiday atmosphere, although we don’t need a blizzard. I do recall a Christmas Eve a few years ago when we had several inches of snow gently fall with little wind. That is the true definition of a white Christmas.

A full holiday is ahead of us again this year as we open gifts at home in the morning before heading off to our parents’ homes for meals and another family celebration in the evening. We will sleep well Christmas night but it’s all worth it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours.

(The View from the Cab blog is powered each week by Petersen Chevy-Buick in Fairbury)