Christmas is a time of joy and reflection, a sentiment beautifully expressed by Maureen Burns, a grandmother of five grandchildren aged between 7 and 22. On December 23, she brought her youngest grandchild home from Grand Rapids, igniting the spirit of the holiday with pure excitement and nostalgia.
As they drove together, the air filled with Christmas tunes, and the child’s enthusiasm was palpable. She reminded her mother about writing a letter to Santa and debated where to leave it, showcasing her genuine belief and innocence. Burns noted, “Such huge concerns. So sincere and anxious.”
This joyful moment brought Burns a sense of clarity amidst her holiday preparations. With the stress of lists, errands, and cooking weighing heavily on her, the simple act of singing along with her grandchild revealed what Christmas truly means. It is not about the tasks or the shopping but rather the joy of connection.
“This is Christmas,” Burns realized, as they sang classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and contemporary favorites from Elton John and Ed Sheeran. The joy of sharing music with her grandchild emphasized the importance of family and togetherness during this festive season.
Upon returning home, the atmosphere remained cheerful, with the two of them engaging in playful activities. Burns witnessed firsthand the sparkle her grandchild brought into their home, which felt quiet yet alive with laughter and song.
Dinner preparations turned into a lighthearted affair as her grandchild chose cucumbers, feta, and tomatoes, while Burns served a stuffed chicken and vegetables. As the evening progressed, holiday chocolates added to the festive spirit. Burns reflected, “Ah, this is what Christmas is really about. Children, being together, singing holiday tunes, looking at the holiday lights.”
The anticipation for Santa’s arrival was a shared excitement, with both grandmother and grandchild recounting their own experiences of seeing Santa in their youth. Burns recalled a magical moment from her childhood when she spotted Santa in her living room window, a memory that underscores the importance of belief and wonder during the holidays.
In the spirit of giving, Burns also took time to deliver gifts to friends, finding joy in their reactions. She noted how acts of kindness can uplift not only the recipient but also the giver, stating, “Caring is like a boomerang. You put it out and it comes right back.”
This Christmas, Burns emphasizes that despite differing opinions or backgrounds, the holiday spirit encourages unity and kindness. “At Christmas, it doesn’t really matter,” she observed. “We are back to being God’s creatures, big and small, and we are back to believing and loving kindly.”
Through her experiences, Burns encapsulates the essence of Christmas: a celebration of family, joy, and the simple acts of love that bring people together.
