Victoria Advocate/ A Different Perspective
Christmas Wonderland Park is an absolute holiday must-do, especially if you have children. Located on the corner of Blyth and Mallette in Victoria, an inviting acre and a half boasts colorful displays of Christmas lights. It’s a warm, friendly place, and I particularly enjoyed the ability to get up close to the displays and snap pictures. Loved the details. Each display is its own tiny bit of Christmas. Happy snowmen camp around benches for photo shoots, an “ice” pond features gaily dressed critters having a blast, and a golden nativity scene captures the wonder of the first Christmas night.
Peace prevailed even with lots of children—their voices hushed as they gazed on the brightly lit village of lights. My soul took a deep breath at the beauty of human creation. Probably my favorite was a quaint dwelling aptly named the Reindeer Barn. On our way home on the dark country roads, we slowed to let a real doe pass. Perhaps she was on her way back to the Reindeer Barn.
We drove to New Braunfels for an early Christmas celebration with our daughter’s family. We called it that, but we have lots of birthdays in December too, so we nabbed the opportunity to deliver birthday presents. Ellie, the youngest, greeted me at the door and said, “I’m six, Mamaw. You need to come see my room.” I traipsed up the stairs after her. Sure enough, her room was neatly picked up. She loved it so much, she wouldn’t come down for lunch, but sang Christmas carols for us from her room. I’ve long been a proponent of keeping things picked up. If my work space gets too messy, I can’t think straight. However, the mental fog clears when I tidy up.
Her mom filled me in on the motive behind the clean room. Ellie came home from school the day before and said she was going to have a “Pecan Party.” She went outside and smashed a bunch of pecans still in the shell. Then she cleaned up her room for the “party.”
Though I’m still bewildered at what pecans had to do with a party, she said the word like a true Texan. When I married Dave, I had to teach my mid-west farm boy how to say pecan. It helped when a friend told him she knew what a “pee-can” was, and it wasn’t a nut. Her humor made it clear it wasn’t just me who had a different way of pronouncing pecan.
Once we returned, we scooped our grandsons up for lunch and “pre-Christmas” presents as well. Lunch at Wendy’s proved a hit. David wanted a Bacon-ator with bread, meat and cheese. That boy has never liked any condiments. Emmitt wanted chicken nuggets, also with no sauce, please. The older one was willing to try the Salted Caramel Frosty and said it was great. Emmitt settled for a taste of mine, but liked his chocolate one better.
Once we finished eating, and the boys opened their gifts, we took them home. Everybody was happy, even if the youngest was loud and wound up.
Sometimes, the holiday season brings sad memories—the ghosts of Christmas Pasts. If we’re not careful, despondent feelings will get a grip and make for a melancholy Christmas. When those thoughts come, it’s best not to entertain them. Acknowledging a sad thought isn’t wrong, if there’s a legitimate reason. As soon as possible, though, you need to move on. Don’t let it or them stay for an extended visit. Life’s much too short not to live with joy.
And always, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This season is for His sake and glory. May He shine through you this Christmas.