Gratitude Month 2025: Christmas Magic

I just watched the Christmas movie, Elf, and near the end when everyone comes together to sing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and it puts the Christmas Spirit over the top and Santa's sleigh goes soaring over the crowd, I just get such a feeling of happiness. I know the music and the nostalgia are practically forcing it on me, but I love it. I love the idea of Santa Claus and how it parallels in a small way the love and generosity that Jesus brings to the world. I am thankful for the creativity that goes into being one of Santa's helpers to make things magical and point to the love of Jesus in a happy, celebratory way. Some days, there are so many tough things pushing and pulling at us, and the magic of Christmas at this time of year is something that can lift our hearts a little, and I am so thankful for it all. I have a lot of feelings about this one, but I am struggling to find the right words, but I hope what I did write comes across to you.