'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
the stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

We all know this story. As children, we didn't want to go to sleep. We wanted to stay up and listen for the taps of reindeer hoofs on the roof. Christmas was about receiving gifts and finding toys under the Christmas tree that were not there when we climbed into our beds. This story had to be true, because Christmas presents magically appeared overnight in the family room.

Then as we grow older, most of us have figured out the magic of Christmas is in giving... not so much receiving. To watch a child's face light up when they see what Santa has left, that's the magic of Christmas. To see an adult get a helping hand when times are tough, well, you can see in their eyes how thankful they are. When a family becomes excited about a warm space, a hot meal, maybe even slightly used winter coats... you feel good and that's more of the Christmas magic. And though it's true that you've been giving, the neat thing is that you have also been receiving the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas means many things to many people, and there are so many examples of the spirit of Christmas that this newspaper doesn't have enough ink to print them all. During the days leading up to December 25th, we continue to watch for the best sales at local stores and on the internet. Yet we are always mindful of how we can help others.

As I sat in front of Walmart last Thursday, continually ringing the Christmas bell, saying "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon" to each person entering the store... then wishing them a Merry Christmas as they exited, I was smiling because it was such a marvelous day. Though it rained and snowed, I got to see people at their finest. I was surprised at the number of parents that gave their children coins to place in the bucket – teaching them that it is good to give during the holiday season. There were people that placed 5's, 10's and 20's in the bucket that seemed to be in need themselves. Yet, they too had the Christmas spirit.

Now, there's another story that really defines Christmas.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."

As the story unfolds,

That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Nuff said! From this old Louisiana boy to each of you... Heaux, Heaux, Heaux - Merry Christmas and May the gracious Lord bestow his blessings unto you.