Tinsel and monkey brains

The lights on the Christmas tree twinkle and as they do, a holy glow fills once dark and ordinary rooms with hope. (Photo provided by Free Wix Library)

My children sat around the man in our living room who did not look like any of us as he shared his stories of what it was like to be a missionary sent from Africa to America.

As was our custom, on Christmas Eve, we had a table of "heavy hors douevres" to eat after the evening church service, and we always invited family and friends.

He looked at the table in wonder, and speaking of the food eaten by he and his family in his village, he mentioned monkey brains. Suddenly, my children were glued to every word he spoke.

"I have never had eggnog," he said, with his British accent.

That night, we poured him a little glass of eggnog, and suddenly he smiled at this sweet treat.

We spoke of Christmas presents under the tree and when we heard that there was no present giving celebration in their village, we gave him a dress for his wife ... and this brought happy tears.

I count that Christmas as one of my favorites, and a reminder that everyone has different traditions ... yet we share the commonality of walking this earth together.

This year, our family will be gathering with various people at various times, and I am reminded that we continue these blessed holidays ... wherever the tinsel sparkles.

I am so thankful for the Light of the Christmas story, for the Savior who came to earth in human form and lived as one of us.

May this season be full of love and light. May we share it with everyone whose paths we cross.