Can I Get a "Hallelujah!!!"

I can give myself a "Hallelujah!!" because I am now officially on winter break until I go back to work on January 3rd. As much as I complain about my job, I love the breaks I get. Also, even though the kids were incredibly hyper today, I did get some nice gifts and sentiments. One sixth grade boy wrote in my Christmas card: "Dear Ms. X (not my real name), Thank you for helping me with my language skills and all that. Hope your Christmas is filled with joy and love". Isn't that sweet? Even if he didn't write all of it himself, what a great sentiment. It reminds me of an Oprah episode that I saw part of where she interviewed Faith Hill. Faith grew up in the south and her family taught her how to be thankful for each day by asking questions like "Is everyone I love healthy and safe? If so, I'm happy and thankful for this day." I know it sounds corny, but this sort of thing is what Christmas means to me and what it should mean. I've posted recently about being a scrooge this year, but really, certain things well up inside me. All I have to do is hear "O Holy Night" (which is my favorite Christmas song) or hear the local radio stations talk about their toy drive and how many children they were able to help. What puts a tear in my eye is when I hear that some families just want food for Christmas. Are all of us grateful that we have full bellies? I didn't intend to get all mushy with this post, but I'm not just thankful for my time off for the holidays, but spending my time with people who I love very much - my family. After all, the spirit of Christmas doesn't need to be any more complicated than that....