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. Now, the house is a mess and if you haven’t guessed, it’s time to Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly.

Fa la la, humbug! The tree stands undressed; the cookies unbaked; shopping to do if gifts I’m to take. 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 I did not check. What? A lap-top computer for Mikey! He explains in nearly unreadable print. “A convertible tablet would be best.

“Homework,” he says. Huh — I bet!

Susie placed but two things on her list, an iPhone 6 and a Bluetooth. A must to text and twitter and tweet, she explains. “And Grandma, selfies are the craze of the day. I can use Facebook, You Tube, or Instagram to text my friends. Emojis are fun, I use them every day.”

Scratching my head, I’m baffled how children understand what is such a mystery to me. Am I right to believe all this might replace the ring-a-ding-ding? Hasn’t she not noticed I questioned myself; I’m as far from an Insta-gram as a grandma can get. It’s more like, wait a minute honey.

Christmas once simple and quiet has somehow become filled with glitz and glamour, gifts costing so much they make my heart clamor. When did a sled, jammies and a sweater, with a stocking stuffed with chocolate kisses not seem better?

Is it possible I am just too old to celebrate Christmas at all?

Frustrated and tired I head for the hall. A cup of hot chocolate should settle it all. But much to my surprise I find lattes and cappuccinos are in style. Not knowing the difference, I said either would do.

Six dollars! What’s this world coming to?

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. How pleasant; a favorite of mine I heard. Is it Perry or Bing? Why is it I can’t seem to remember a thing?

Those who pass by 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, if only in my dreams. Why must they play a song so sad? It reminds me of the loss of my loved one, and my precious children — some are not near.

Santa Claus is coming to town. Up on my feet, I follow the crowd. Soon, it’s Santa’s white beard I see. Complete with his village, a handsome sight he is indeed. “Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas,” he calls out. Unable to stifle the child in me, I wave and flash him a smile. One little chap slides from his knee. “Mom, I did it! He knows I’m a good boy.” Should I or shouldn’t I, seemed to be the question of the day. However, with the flash of my Brownie the moment was not lost.

“Ma,” my son said offering his advice. “Shop on line and use Pay-Pal.”

Now I must ask just where is the line? Heaven knows I haven’t a friend to pay my bills. What is this world coming to?

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir. Preparations complete, I breathe a sigh of relief.

I in my robe and Pa in his slippers settle for my yearly tradition. What would Christmas be without a trip with the Griswalds? Christmas Vacation with Chevy, of course. Many a laugh we share, all from the comfort of our favorite chair.

Man can try, as they just might, to change, to redesign Christmas to fit into their modem-day world. But, none shall succeed to change what history has revealed, the true story of Christmas: Alleluia, Alleluia, God has brought forth a son named Jesus — Emmanuel, king of kings, and lord of lords; — our savior and redeemer.

Lest I forget, let me just say: Christmas is the most wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas to each of you.

Violet Covert describes herself as a Butler Grandma and Butler Eagle reader.