Last Christmas,
we were thinking about all the things we didn't have.

This Christmas,
we are thinking about all the things we do have.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes.

This Christmas,
we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were letting our Sons play with toy guns.

This Christmas,
we are teaching them that guns are not toys.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were counting our money.

This Christmas,
we are counting our blessings.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays.

This Christmas,
we are paying homage to it.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were lighting candles to decorate.

This Christmas,
we are lighting candles to commemorate.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were digging deep into our bank accounts to find money to
fly home for the holidays.

This Christmas,
we are digging deep into our souls to find courage to do so.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us.

This Christmas,
we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we thought it was enough to celebrate the holidays.

This Christmas,
we know we must also find ways to consecrate them.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero.

This Christmas,
we know a man who rushes into a burning building is the real one.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were thinking about the madness of the holidays.

This Christmas,
we are thinking about the meaning of them.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were getting on one another's nerves.

This Christmas,
we are getting on our knees.

~~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were giving thanks for gifts from stores.

This Christmas,
we are giving thanks for gifts from God.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were wondering how to give our children all the things that
money can buy; the hottest toys the latest fashions, the newest
gadgets.

This Christmas,
we are wondering how to give them all the things it can't;
a sense of security, safety, peace.

~~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were thinking about all the pressure we are under at the office.

This Christmas,
we are thinking about the people that no longer have an office to
go to.

~~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were singing carols.

This Christmas,
we are singing anthems and hymns.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent.

This Christmas,
we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we thought angels were in heaven.

This Christmas,
we know some are right here on earth.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were contemplating all the changes we wanted to make in
the New Year.

This Christmas,
we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make
in this new reality.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we believed in the power of the pocketbook.

This Christmas,
we believe in the power of prayer.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were sharing/spreading/listening to gossip.

This Christmas,
we are sharing/spreading/listening to the gospel.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we were complaining about how much of our earnings went to pay
taxes.

This Christmas,
we comprehend that freedom isn't free.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
we valued things that were costly.

This Christmas,
we value things that are holy.

~~~~~~

Last Christmas,
the people we idolized wore football, basketball, and baseball
uniforms.

This Christmas,
the people we idolize wear police, firefighter, and military
uniforms.

~~~~~

Last Christmas,
"peace on earth" is something we prayed for on Sunday mornings.

Now,
it is something we pray for every day.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

In the words of Tiny Tim ~

"GOD BLESS US -- EVERY ONE!"


Frank & Colleen Mandato and family


. * . (\ *** /) * . *
* . * ( \ (_)/ ) * Merry Christmas*
. . (_ / || \ _) . * .
. * . /____\ * . . *

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For that last minute greeting
or a special personalized greeting
Featuring photos of the Christmas spirit that
Abounds in New York City this season, please visit

http://coolcatsites.net/gallery/postcard/?source=mandato

If you missed Christmas,
These would also be great for New Years Greetings!

(Note from Colleen: Sending these beautiful cards is FREE!)

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