OPINION: The spirit of Christmas

I watched my church collect canned goods for the food bank and coats for the clothes closet. Members also donated over $15,000 in our One Day of Giving for missions. Sunday school classes were able to help children have a happy Christmas by donating toys, clothes, books, Bibles, shoes, toiletry items and many other essentials. The Spirit of Christmas will be shared with so many individuals both locally and around the world because of the generosity of so many.

The simple things in life also provide a reminder that the Spirit of Christmas does not have to be big and grand. The day that Northridge Medical Center hosted “Waffles with Santa” for the employees was such a treat! A delicious hot waffle with specialty toppings and a visit with Santa brought smiles to all who came and everyone enjoyed the time of fellowship.

One of the most touching and the most rewarding events for me this year was watching a community come together for a little boy in Jefferson who was diagnosed with leukemia in October. Many people embraced the Spirit of Christmas by organizing a bone marrow drive to help this young boy find a donor match. Organizers tell me that 1,250 people were swabbed for the bone marrow bank in hopes of helping him find a match. The Spirit of Christmas lives in everyone who participated in this event. Prayers will continue for this family as we continue to await updates on his progress.

I also have witnessed my mom give more of herself during the holiday season. While she embodies the Christmas Spirit all year, she has really been busy this Christmas. As a retired nurse, she knows the true meaning of being a caregiver. She was an excellent clinical nurse but, she received more praise from her patients for her smile, hugs, laughter and her ability to comfort. All these attributes are a part of who she is all year long, but at Christmas, she makes sure she shares her sweet spirit with so many.

My children have also shown me that they really do understand the Spirit of Christmas. They have visited residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They have worked in our church’s clothes closet, have given the best hugs to people in need and they always remind us to light our advent candles and participate in our advent celebrations by reading our daily devotions at home.

The Spirit of Christmas makes me happy. And, all I want for Christmas this year is to be able to seek out the Spirit of Christmas in myself and others throughout the entire year. Merry Christmas!

Tricia Massey is a member of the Commerce Downtown Development Authority, serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, chairs the Commerce Public Library’s capital campaign and is marketing director for Northridge Medical Center. She lives in Commerce.