Bright Red Christmas Blushes by Marian Casillas, Ed.D. Gretchen: “Do you think you’ll ever get tired of Christmas?” Noelle: “Does one ever get tired of being told they are loved? Does one ever get tired of eating ice cream, or of watching spectacular sunsets?” Gretchen: “But you’re Christmas 24/7/365! If it’s all the time, then it’s not special.” Noelle: “When I was a little girl, I loved all the lights, the decorations, the presents, the songs, the food, and I never wanted it to end. So now that I’m all grownup it doesn’t have to end. Every morning I wake up to see the Christmas tree all lit up in my bedroom decorated with holly and tinsel, and the Christmas music channel playing merry, happy songs. I get out of my comfy Christmas covered canopy bed, wearing my cuddly Christmas pajamas, and go to the kitchen to make Abuelita hot chocolate with a candy cane stirrer. I give thanks to God for giving me the gift of my life and another day to celebrate the greatest present of Christ’s B