The True Meaning......

Besides Crawfish Season, yea, yea, insert redneck jokes here, THIS season is my favorite of them ALL! My  radio is either constantly on Sunny 99.1 or I'm switching between one of my many Christmas CD's, just enjoying all the lovely Christmas music this season brings! Someone recently asked me if there is a Christmas Carol I don't like, and the answer is, no, and their answer was, "What a pleasant time of the year for you!" And you know what, it IS. It means family gatherings, Christmas parties, and just being together with the people I love. It also helps that  we get to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus and my brother in law Nick on the same day! So yes, for me, what's NOT to like about Christmas?! 

Then my favorite depressing Christmas Carols come on, Sarah McLachlan's 'Wintersong', The Eagles version of, 'Please Come Home for Christmas', and of course, my all time favorite, John Lennon's, 'Happy Xmas (The War is Over)', and I am reminded that not everyone is pumped about Christmas. Often times this can be the loneliest or most stressful time of the year for people. That is usually when I cue a version of 'O, Holy Night' or some other traditional carol, to get in touch with the true meaning of Christmas, and no, it's not just hot-buttered rums and White Elephant Gifts.

I think the true meaning of Christmas was said best by Calvin Coolidge.....

"Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."

  If you are looking for ways to give back this Holiday Season, or looking to get into the true Christmas Spirit, then give to your local food banks, or Children's charities, or take your family to visit the elderly in your community, maybe sing them some Christmas Carols while you are there.  Giving back to those that dread this time of year, is the best way to spread Christmas cheer. (I'm a poet and didn't know it!)

You will be pleasantly surprised to see ALL the amazing people out there looking to do the same. I know its easy to think commercialism is killing the true meaning of Christmas, but if you dabble on the other side, and find a way to give back, you will see, the true meaning of Christmas is not lost, there are Secret Santa's EVERYWHERE!!!!! So follow in the steps of the Three Wise Men, and bear some gifts, or volunteer at one of these local food/toy drives! And please comment below if you know of more charities!

Local 2 and The Houston Fire Department Stocking Stuffer

Star of Hope- Help feed the homeless men, women, and children of Houston

Heart of The Kids - Our great friend Angela Johnson and her amazing family sent us this info, the link goes directly to the list the kids have made, and has all the info on how to get your gift delivered for these neglected children.

Toys for Tots Donating toys through USMC for needy children, I believe you can drop gifts at Toys R Us, how convenient ;) 

Prison Fellowship Gives to Children of prisoners

BEARing Gifts Giving gifts for Abused and Neglected Children (CPS)

WHAM Adopt a Family -help an entire family enjoy Christmas this year, mom and dad need some lovin' too!

The Jingle Bell Express Help needy families by donating gifts so the parents can 'shop' for their children themselves. It's set up so parents can pick out a few toys and books, and in addition the entire family receives a meal for the holiday.

Catholic Charities- Call 713-526-4611 for a list of families of all religious affiliation*

And remember, it doesn't have to be shiny and new, don't forget about The Salvation Army and The Goodwill! Start a Christmas tradition at home with your kids by cleaning out your closets and toy bins!

And don't forget the 4 legged!

SPCA Holiday Pet Food Drive 

BARC Animal Shelter

Feliz Navidad!! 

Or, in the words of a very wise man......

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, shitter's full!!!"

-Cousin Eddie

love, Bohojb