Enjoy the magic of the season

The letters to the editor section in last week's Columbia Flier, irritated me. Most specifically the several letters that were clumped together and drawn attention to with a nice little gray box. Everyone of them was chastising the Columbia Mall Management for their decision to not have the poinsettia tree. Ah, there's a reason this American Studies degreed former Marketing Communications chick doesn't read the newspapers as regularly as I should: I spend more time analyzing the layouts and article titles than actually thinking about the news.

What struck me most about the clumping of articles was the sheer negative focus on all of them. When I heard the poinsettia tree was not going to be in the mall this season and that the management donated the structure to the Symphony of Lights, I wasn't disappointed. First of all, how much money is spent each year on those flowers, that while beautiful, will die and cost lots of money to keep fresh and alive all through the season. On top of that, the structure was going to a greater cause: a fundraiser for the Maternal Child Unit at Howard County General Now there is an annual tradition that actually serves the community in a positive way.

Speaking of positive, is it possible for those of you who are so disappointed in the lack of a flower tree to remember that this season is supposed to be about peace, love, joy, and magic? Can you try to find something positive about the change at the mall? Big deal, you don't like it. Maybe it isn't about you.

Maybe it's about celebrating children, especially those who still believe in Santa, and giving them a magical experience.

I'm looking forward to checking out the new Santastic display. I hear it's awesome and that the kids love it. And I love watching my children's eyes get wide with wonder. Poinsettia trees don't offer that kind of enjoyment.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the real reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ (who was probably born in late March/early April and no where near pine trees or poinsettias). Blah, blah, blah. I know that, you know that, and in our family, we teach our children about that. It's also a time of year to celebrate our love for each other and enjoy the magic of the season.

Here's hoping that even if you're disappointed that there is no poinsettia tree this year, you will still find it within your heart to enjoy the magic and wonder of the season.