The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Christmas in rural areas is more than the gifts lying under the tree, or the lights strung down Main Street. The material items are diminished as the people come together as a family: we remember those we have lost since the last eve, we support the organizations that hold the town together like glue, and we praise the glory above. The hardships that our daily lives hold are forgotten as we step into our city halls and feel the essence of joy that is in the air.

As his wife rubs Aquaphor lotion into his hands, he winces; the cold nights have caused the tops of his knuckles to begin to crack. Sleep during this time of the year can be difficult to come by. Calving is at the peak of its season and the winter is a bit tougher than usual. He stands up from his temporary resting spot on the edge of the tub and begins to leave the bathroom.

The children need to be tucked in before they doze off, but before he can go she reaches for his arm.

”What’s on your list for Christmas this year?” she says with a smile.

“I haven’t quite thought about it much and I’m not too concerned with what I get this year, hun,” he explains as he scratches the back of his neck.

“Well if ya think of anything, just let me know.”

Then he left and said his goodnights to his children, crawled into bed and tried to sleep, knowing he would have to be up in a couple of hours.

A few days later his family and him began to set up the dark green tree they had cut down. They tracked into the Bear’s Paw to find it, and it was the first real tree they had had in the house. As the children finished hanging the decorations, they asked him to place the star at the top of the tree. After he did, he took a step back and saw his amazing family.

He saw his beautiful wife laughing while she sat on the ground next to the tree. He saw his wonderful four children playing tag and running in circles around the tree as if it was an obstacle. He looked out his window and saw his fields and his cattle all perched in the snow. And then it dawned on him. He already had everything that he wanted; he did not wish for anything else in world.

Tears began to fill his soft eyes as he was flooded with grace and thankfulness.”Honey, I don’t need anything for Christmas. I already have all I want.”