It's not a secret to anyone who knows me that the Christmas Season is my very favorite time of year. I have found at times during this season that it's really quite easy to lose sight of the true meaning and value of Christmas. While preparing for Christmas parties, going to shopping malls and checking our naughty and nice lists may we not forget that this holiday is about more than parties, gift giving or even Santa Clause. It's about the spirit of giving, hoping, loving and the birthday of a child, whose life and story began on a cold Winter's night some two thousand years ago. The message of Love and Compassion of that child's life becomes even more compelling each year as we continue to seek "Peace on Earth" and "Good Will towards all persons around the World..." While some may look for Santa and his sleigh on Christmas Eve I find myself searching for that same bright star which guided three wise men so many years ago...

As is my tradition each Christmas, I share my simple "Christmas Poem" along with special links to my favorite "Hawaiian Christmas Music". I hope that no matter where you are on the globe this year, that this special heartfelt presentation might bless and inspire you to embrace the "Reason for the Season" and brighten your holidays this Christmas and in the coming New Year...

Thoughts of family and friends or a loving spouse,
the sounds of music and scents of cookies filling my house.
Holiday shows and movies play on every channel this season,
and I start to wonder about the holidays and the reason...

Is Christmas about the candy and cakes,
and the I'll be home for Christmas snowflakes..?
Is Christmas about the cards and gift lists
and standing in long lines having shopping fits..?

Is Christmas about what I got for you and what you got for me,
and who might've spent the most money..?
For as I think of those things from Christmases gone past,
the thing that seems apparent is that none of those things last...

So what is it that I remember and can easily recall
about this time called Christmas that hasn't been forgotten at all.

Isn't it the smile and "God bless you" I hear,
from the Salvation Army lady standing near.
Not because I put a few bucks in her pot,
but because in that moment I said, I care instead of not...

Isn't it about taking a minute from my scurring about,
trying to get accomplished but never finished no doubt.
So I can share a smile, or encouraging word when I'm done,
or some loose change with someone who has none...

Isn't it about making it a goal to help someone I know,
perhaps heal a past hurt or lift a soul's spirit who feels low.
To take a risk to be kind or thoughtful,
might make a big difference to someone whose feeling awful...

Isn't it about giving thanks for what we've been given.
for simple blessings of food, shelter and healthy livin...
And having something to love be it person, place or pet,
These are the things in life, I don't easily forget...