“It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas... everywhere you go.” Remember when this familiar melody signaled the beginning of the Christmas season? Many years have come and gone since then. The house is a mess and if you haven’t guessed, once again its time to Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, Fa la la la ...

Fa la la, Humbug! The tree stands undressed; the cookies unbaked; and there is plenty of shopping to do. List in hand, I sprint to the mall. (No, not really. Truth is, I’m far beyond sprinting!) I must confess my grandchildren’s list is something I have not checked. What? A lap-top computer for Mikey! He explains in small print that a convertible tablet would be best. Homework he says. Hmmm — I bet.

Susie placed but one thing on her list. An iPhone 6, a “must” to text and twitter, she explains. “And Grandma, selfies are the craze of the day.”

It baffles me how children understand things that are a total mystery to me. But from what I’ve gathered, Android, cloud, Facebook, YouTube, and images have replaced the phone’s ring-a-ding-ding. But, a blue tooth — who in their right mind would want a blue tooth?

Christmas, once simple and quiet has somehow become filled with glitz and glamour, gifts cost so much that they cause my heart to clamor. Is it possible that I am just too old to celebrate Christmas at all? When did a sled, jammies and a sweater, with a stocking stuffed with chocolate kisses not seem better?

Frustrated and tired, I head for the hall. A cup of hot chocolate should settle it all. But much to my surprise, I find it’s lattes and cappuccinos now in style. Not knowing the difference, I say either will do. Five dollars? What’s this world coming to?

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow. How pleasant; a favorite of mine. Is it Perry or Bing? Why is it I can’t seem to remember a thing?

Those that pass by me seem happy enough. Tall, short, thin, and stout; many with children in tow. But then — is that not what Christmas is all about?

I’ll be Home for Christmas. Why must they play a song so sad? It reminds me of the loss of my loved ones and my children — some are not near.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Up on my feet, I follow the crowd. Soon, it’s Santa I see. Complete with his village, he’s a handsome sight indeed. “Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas!” he calls out. Unable to stifle the child in me, I wave and flash him a smile. “Will I or won’t I?” seems to be the question of the day. However, with the flash of memories are not lost. One little chap slid from his knee. “Mom, I did it! I did it! He knows I’m a good boy.”

Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos. Me in my robe and Pa in his slippers, we settle in for our yearly tradition. What would Christmas be like without a vacation? The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie with Chevy Chase, of course. Many laughs we do share, all from the comfort of our favorite chairs.

Man can try, as they just might, to change, to redesign Christmas to fit into the modem-day world. But, none shall succeed to change what history has revealed: The true story of Christmas.

O Come All Ye Faithful . . Come Let us Adore Him. Preparations complete, I breathe a sigh of relief. Lest I forget, just let me say, “Christmas is the most wonderful holiday of all.”

O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth. There is a nip in the air, a crunch to the snow; luminaries light the path as we go. The doors stand open, the windows aglow; it’s from the church that the music flows.

The First Noel. They looked up and saw a star, shining in the East beyond them far. And to the Earth it gave great light as it continued both day and night. The need was urgent; a child was to be born. “But there is no room in the Inn,” the man explained. “But — my wife,” Joseph begs of him. “If you must, you may stay in the stable.”

Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let Earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room. What child is this; the son of Mary? Now, can you imagine one so precious asleep in the hay?

Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king. Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies. With angelic host proclaim ...

Alleluia, Alleluia, God has brought forth a son named Jesus — Emmanuel, King of Kings and Lord of Lords; our Savior and Redeemer.

And so, I’m offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to 92. Although it’s been said many times, many ways — Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you.

Violet Covert lives in Butler Township.