Every year on New Year’s Eve, a very famous song is sung around the world. This song, “Auld Lang Syne,” has been playing for over 200 years since it was first written as a Scottish poem by Robert Burns in 1788 – actually there’s a debate on whether Mr. Burns actually wrote the song or whether he added his own lyrics to an already existing ballad. The song is internationally known and is sung at the stroke of midnight around the world. The title is translated into English literally as “old long since,” or as we may know it “days gone past,” or “the good, old days.”

However, have you ever listened to the lyrics and thought about its meaning? Depending on whether the song is sung by a Scottish, English or your Uncle Jeb (and the last version is not necessarily the cleanest), the lyrics can vary. Regardless of what exact version you listen to, the basic meaning is pretty much the same. It’s an international expression of friendship, fellowship, and hope. It’s about remembering the past and re-affirming the importance of our future, as well as those who are important to us.

As I look back on 2009, I think about the memories that were created and ones I want to carry into the future. There’s been many dinners with great friends, a trip to Duluth with our kids and let’s not forget about dancing on the dinner cruise with my relatives from Vietnam and Canada (see There’s No Place Like Home).

This brings me back to the angel at the post office. She reminded me to take a step back from our hectic lives to do a random act of kindness for someone else – just because (see Angels in Our Midst).

I can’t help but feel the sincerity in the lyrics as the writer talks fondly about his memories, particularly memories about kindness and friendship. I don’t think this was accidental. I think those around you can become the support you need in times of storms. Tom and I are blessed to have the people we do around us. From our kids and families who love us, to friends who we can bare our souls to.

Yes, 2009 has been memorable and I will move forward with optimism and dreams. Dreams of continued and new friendships as well as hope and a better future for those who are less fortunate. As you enter 2010, may you remember the good of the past as well as hope for the future.

When I was 17, I started getting less excited about Christmas presents. I’m not sure why but that was about the time it started. You would think I was going through a phase and over time, I would start looking forward to making my Christmas List again. But as the years came and went, those feelings only seemed to grow stronger. Yes, you can say I fell off the Christmas train.

I think what made me feel that way was what I was seeing around me – in the stores, on TV, it was everywhere I looked. What was once a season for the celebration of a little baby in a manger (remember Him?) became a celebration of wants. One common theme I see when I walk into a store around Halloween time is Christmas decorations. I’ll also see kids cry and throw tantrums because they want something for Christmas that their parents are unable or unwilling to purchase. What about the sad story of a Long Island Wal-Mart employee who was trampled to death when the store opened on Black Friday. All for the sake of what? A flat-screen TV? The latest Xbox? I guess it’s these cumulative events occurring over the years that have taken me off the Christmas train.

Don’t get me wrong. My kids are just as guilty of wants/needs as any other kid. I just keep thinking about what Christmas was like for me as a kid (see my blog Tis the Season from 2008). Because we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, my parents had to be quite creative at Christmas. For example, wrapping paper was expensive for my parents so it had to be used sparingly. We couldn’t tear apart the paper to see what the present was inside. We had to open it carefully around the taped edges, so the paper could be reused for another year. Seeing wrapping paper with slightly worn edges where the tape had been became a tradition in our family. I look back now and notice an interesting trend. Although I remember nothing about the presents I received, I do remember with great clarity our recycled wrapping paper.

I want my kids to enjoy Christmas just as much as the next kid. However, I want them to understand what Christmas is TRULY about. For me and Tom, it’s not just about presents, Santa, or even watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” All of these things are fine and good, as long as we remember what the real meaning of Christmas is. It’s about the birth of Jesus more than a few years ago under a starry night. It’s about His birth and what He did while He was here on earth.

For the sake of my kids, I want to get back on the Christmas train. It took many years, but it finally happened. Yes, dear loyal readers, I am back on the train. This year, I’m looking forward to the festive lights. I’m looking forward to Christmas dinner. And yes, in my own way, I’m even looking forward to buying Christmas presents. What finally did it? What finally got me to get excited about something I did not look forward to for many years? Two words: my kids. The other night we decorated the Christmas tree as a family. Watching the way my children’s eyes lit up when we plugged in the Christmas lights made it all worthwhile.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “My Grown Up Christmas List.” This song is pertinent to me because what I desired as a kid is not what I desire now. So what’s on my grown up Christmas list? Peace and joy. That, to me, is the perfect Christmas gift.