Take time Published Dec. 1, 2009 By Chap. (Maj.) Mark Ingles 21st Space Wing chaplains office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- It's hard to believe that Christmas and the holiday season are already upon us again. It feels as though this time of year comes so fast, turns our lives upside down and is over before we know it. Sometimes it's hard to be fully present in the moment when we're overwhelmed and stressed about gift giving, parties to attend, and juggling our families through it all. In all the hustle and bustle of the season, we sometimes forget to have fun or just snuggle up on the couch with the kids and watch a holiday movie. It helps in the midst of the holiday craziness to just stop, listen, look, expect, and just take in the beauty of this special time of year. A great way to kick it all off is the base Christmas tree lighting that will be held at the chapel at 5 p.m. Dec. 4, followed by a wonderful Christmas party for deployed families and those attending the lighting. What about the Christmas tree? The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for them to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples and colored paper. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820s. Nowadays, of course, Christmas trees are found just about everywhere you turn during the holiday season. They are used in churches and other venues as a reminder of the birth of the baby Jesus which is celebrated by Christians on Christmas Day, or simply as a reminder of this beautiful season. Others make this season special with celebrations such as: Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that is celebrated during the Yuletide season with family festivities and great food, and where a menorah is lit signifying the days of Hanukkah; or Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration that starts the week after Christmas; or Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), when Muslims, as they celebrate, remind themselves of their own submission and willingness to sacrifice to God. However you look at this time of year, this holiday season and the Christmas celebration is a good time to remember your family and your faith; because that is what this season is all about. As we share in this season of love, and hope and giving, I leave you with these thoughts: First, giving is better than receiving. Make time for others. The good deeds you do will not only help others but really allow you to experience the true meaning of the holidays. Why not volunteer at a soup kitchen, or organize a toy drive for underprivileged children? Even simple gestures like baking cookies for your elderly neighbors or inviting those without families to visit during the holidays can be ways to give to others what they would have missed this year. Also, don't forget to grab an angel off the angel trees at the base exchange or chapel and give an awesome gift to a young child, or make a donation to a worthy cause around the city. Secondly, enjoy this awesome time of year, with our snow, and an awesome winter chill: Stock up your cupboards with the fixings for holiday treats and cocoa. Go sledding and skating - warm up in front of the fire, and spend time with those that you love. Pull out the seasonal favorites and plan a movie night with your spouse or even the whole family; drink apple cider - find simple reasons to enjoy the season. And then finally, remember the words of that timeless song, 'Home for the Holidays': Make an effort to get together with loved ones, near and far. Sure, the traffic might be crazy and maybe it's been so long that you'd just as soon stay home. But it's important to make the effort - especially with family, as they are the roots of who you are and where you came from. Reconnecting with family can be a refreshing and fun alternative to your daily grind. So take the time, find the time, and enjoy the holidays. Though it's something we only get to enjoy once a year, make this one really happen for you and may you catch the spirit of this wonderful season, or better yet, may the spirit of this wonderful season catch you.