still

4:365

Even though everyone has taken down their decorations and the radio isn't playing carols any longer and no one says "Merry Christmas," it's still actually Christmas. It's Christmas until Epiphany, which happens to be Sunday.

This is what I thought about in the stillness of church this morning before Zoe's all-school Christmas Mass. Amid the smell of pine and the glitter of white twinkle lights, I was sad that it appears most people have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas. It's no longer a religious holiday. It's a retail holiday, with as much meaning as Groundhog Day only with garland and egg nog. It's about yanking down the tree as soon as possible and buying stuff for other people who will also buy you stuff and once that's done then we're off to the next holiday that warrants Hallmark cards or maybe a day off work.

There is so much more to it, and I feel sorry for all those people who miss the depth and the beauty.

It's still Christmas, and for that, I'm happy.

Merry Christmas!