Christmas and Gifts

AS A KID growing-up, Christmas was always the best of all the holidays for me. No doubt part of what made it so special was the preparation and the anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Thinking back to those early years, here are just a few of the many great memories: putting up the tree, stringing the lights, hanging the tinsel and the ornaments; school activities; church programs; greenery and colored lights hanging above the streets in our little town; Christmas carols and other music of the season; friends; family; and wonderful food, including mom's fudge and my aunt's divinity. Everything about Christmas gave me - and our family - leisure moments to cherish.

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And, there was never a Christmas without some beautifully wrapped packages under the tree. Usually these packages started appearing at least a couple of weeks before Christmas Day. Several always had my name on an attached tag. As might be expected in young lads, temptation often got the best of me and my younger cousin. We would often find ourselves carefully shaking the colorful boxes with bows in an attempt to perhaps get a clue to what was inside.

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My parents, grandparents, or other relatives were never a part of the rich and famous. So, gifts were never enormously expensive or elaborate. However, it was amazing how folks with limited incomes could somehow manage to give Christmas presents which demonstrated their love and at the same time brought great joy and satisfaction to each individual receiving the gifts. This was especially true for me as a recipient. Even at that early age, I knew that I was loved - and very fortunate.

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Of all the numerous gifts I received during my growing-up years, a couple of them stand out as big gifts - and big surprises! And, even at my young age, I knew that my parents had to stretch their dollars in order to give them. First, there was a bicycle which I received when I was eight. Then, a few years later, my big gift was a ping-pong table. My bike was loads of fun and - as it turned out - my main means of transportation until I started driving a car. The ping-pong table provided many hours of enjoyment over many years. Both gifts may be part of the reason I ended-up in the recreation and leisure profession!

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The very best gift I ever received came when I was nine. It was God's gift of salvation and eternal life which came as a result of my belief and faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that gift, my life was changed forever: my sins were forgiven, and I was adopted into God's family. And, when my life comes to an end on this earth, I will be immediately with God in heaven for all eternity. This great and glorious gift is available to each and every individual who repents of sin and professes faith in Christ.

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During this season, let us celebrate, give gifts, and express our love for family and friends. But, let us also remember the real reason for Christmas: to celebrate the birth of Jesus, born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. And, as the songwriter encourages us, "O Come, Let Us Adore Him: Christ, the Lord!"

DeFuniak Springs

IF YOU'RE ANYWHERE within a couple of hours or so of DeFuniak Springs during the Christmas season, it's well worth the trip to the small Florida town located in the state's northwest Panhandle. The town's citizens go all-out with over 4.5 million lights for a celebration which they call "Christmas Reflections." The event draws thousands of visitors every December. DeFuniak Springs has to be one of the nation's best leisure destinations for viewing Christmas lights.

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Chipley Park and the shoreline around Lake DeFuniak are decorated to the max. Holiday characters, animated items, nativity scenes, and trees with branches and trunks surrounded with lights are all reflected in the water of the Lake. The Lake itself is one of only two nearly perfectly round lakes in the world. The shoreline Park is on 40 acres of land and the Lake has an additional 40 acres of water. A drive or a walk around the Lake is nine-tenths of a mile. The Lake is enhanced with two 100-foot lighted piers with attached gazebos.

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Lake DeFuniak is in the heart of downtown on Circle Drive. The entrance to the Lake is lined with lighted candy canes. From the first of December through New Year's Eve, "Christmas Reflections" opens each day at sunset. The entrance fee is $3 per person.

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Even without the Christmas lights, DeFuniak Springs is an interesting little town with a population of about 4,000. In 1855 it received a charter from the Chautauqua organization as their winter location. The Chautauqua Building, also known as the Hall of Brotherhood, still stands. An open amphitheater is the home of concerts and plays. The oldest operating library in the state of Florida is also located in DeFuniak Springs.

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Fishing and boating are permitted in Lake DeFuniak at times other than the Christmas season. Permanent older homes can be found around the Lake. And, when these homes come into view, it's like a walk into the Victorian era.

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DeFuniak Springs is just north of Interstate 10 where U.S. Highway 331 intersects with U.S. 90 in the Florida Panhandle. A visit to this little town - especially during the Christmas season - is a great choice for an enjoyable outing. And, quite possibly, it could become one of those leisure experiences which will be remembered for a long, long time.