The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Merry Christmas

by Dessa Rodeffe, Quill Publisher/Owner

December 23, 2008

As you gather with friends and family for the holidays, take time to sit back and relax and enjoy each other's company.

It is not a good time to remind people of their short-comings, or how they hadn't called all year, etc. etc.

Christmas is a time to rejoice and make happy memories.

Our family always enjoys making the Christmas meal together and it is something I hope we always continue to do.

It is fun to hear the men in the kitchen, really getting into making the stuffing, carving the turkey and ham, or even making the pies.

On days I am working over-time around Christmas, my boys all learned to cook together. I still make the home-made noodles and the girls make broccoli casserole, and cheeseballs and cookies, salads, and :: well, you get the picture. It's a busy kitchen around Christmas.

This year, the family is gathering in Urbandale, Iowa (Des Moines) at my son and daughter-in-law's Damon and Kellee Andrews on Sunday. He lives just about in the center of our six children.

We will visit, play games with the grandkids, and enjoy a lot of good eating.

We will also take time to tell the Christmas story around the tree with the manger scene in view. In the past we have had each family bring in a figurine as the Christmas story is read. The grandkids have put on skits and we also enjoy playing Christmas music.

The presents are passed out and each opens a gift, one at a time. At home, the candle-light service at our church, on Christmas Eve is most meaningful to recall that holy night that Christ the Saviour was born.

No matter where we are, or what is going on in our life, -illness, loss of a loved one, or home, or job : we can still stop to celebrate. If Mary can travel several days by donkey to Bethelem and give birth to our saviour in a cattle shed, then I believe we can celebrate His birth, no matter what, no matter where.

May God bless you and your loved ones, and have a Merry Christmas.