The week before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. Decorations we left for the trash man to collect and grumpy HUD owners were made derelict. There were no stockings to be hung by the chimney with care and children we sad about St. Nick not being there.

Back in 2007 a federal law had prohibited owners of HUD houses to decorate their Christmases with any religious symbols. A week later of that same year the law was rescinded and home owners could bring out what ever they wanted for their Christmas decorating pleasure. We are blessed this year to be able to decorate in the manner we would like which reminds us all of the reason for the season.

An email came to me last week of two billboards, each placed at one end of the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City. The first was from an atheist’s organization saying there is no reason for the season and the other was a rebuttal from the Catholic Church advertising the birth of the Savior. We need reminders of what is important.

Last Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a flash mob. What is a flash mob you wonder? It is a group of people gathered unexpectedly to accomplish something great. These “flash mobs” started in Europe in train stations and town squares and if you inquire online at youtube.com, you will see some amazing flash mob videos of groups singing or dancing for all to enjoy. Our flash mob was in the Daphne Wal-mart at 1pm organized by some of the members of the Eastern Choral Society. We gathered close to the jewelry section pretending to be shopping and visiting when all of a sudden the music to Handel’s Halleluiah Chorus was heard over whole store and we all started singing. There were over 100 singers nearby and we attracted a lot of attention to shoppers every where. In fact you could hear us singing over the whole store. It was fantastic and a great reminder of the reason for the season.

Whether you are a true Christian or not, remembering kind and caring acts for others is a rule everyone needs. A kind word or an uplifting song is welcome in everyone’s life. Decorating and baking good food helps everyone enjoy the days ahead no matter what you believe in. So get in the holiday spirit and let go of past unfortunate events in your life. You will live longer and be happier. Spread the cheer and get ready for a better year.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is now the author of four books. Her latest, "Dogs, Blogs and Hobbits: Writings from a Widow's Perspective" is available on Amazon.com. Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stregthenyourhome.com.