"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph, also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, begin great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear no, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you.  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host priasing God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lard hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And allthey that heard it wondered at those things which wer told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.  Luke 2:1-20

      Every year Christmas seems to be more difficult to handle in our family for a variety of reasons.  Some only want to come on certain days, others wish to make a command performance at their whims like Royalty.  The commercialistic attitude that transverses the entire affair is awful.  We are going to endeavor to take our Christmas back to a simpler time and place this year.  This is how we plan to do it.

      I am going to invite family and friends to come anytime they want on the Christmas weekend.  Christmas is on Friday.  So, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they can come and go anytime they like it used to be.  When I was a little girl, our families didn't make formal plans and announcements on Christmas.  It was looked forward to that folks would just drop by for awhile and visit or that we would visit others. 

     No artificial decorations or electric decorations.  I'm going to go back behind my Aunt's house in the woods and cut down a live Christmas tree.  Not too big, not too small.  I am already picking through my decorations and getting out only those that we made ourselves.  I am working on more decorations and my Christmas gifts already as well.

     I plan to read the Christmas story from the Bible each evening as well.  The true meaning of Christmas needs to be at the forefront on Christmas and all year long.  I think we get so caught up in the incidentals that we forget the real "Reason for the Season".

     Decorations for an old fashioned Christmas include:  pinecones, nuts, fresh greenery, holly, ivy, popcorn chains, cranberry chains, cookie ornaments, hand sewn ornaments, crocheted ornaments.

     Gifts can include but are not limited to:  (keeping in mind these are handmade and homemade)  Baskets of homemade breads, candies and cookies.  Handmade dolls and toys, Needlework afghans, hats, mittens, gloves, fancy handkerchiefs, pillows, potholders, scarves and so many others yet to be thought of.

     Stockings will be filled with fresh fruit and candy sticks, cookies and nuts.

     The food will shine as well.....there will be homemade breads, cookies, cakes and candies.  There will be baking hens and ham, baked beans, plum pudding, vinegar pie, apple pie, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, eggnog and boiled custard and more.