Christmas will soon be upon us and soon all the hype will be gone.  We have lived Christmas since the week of Halloween.

 I am so tired of all of it by the time it actually gets here that the meaning of the season is lost.  Momma Said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  But today is all about the almighty dollar.  Black Friday, Cyber Monday and any other thing that can be commercialized will be used to get consumers to part with their money.

I miss the simplicity of Christmas, like it was when we were kids.  The biggest thing we had to worry about was memorizing our part in the school Christmas play.  We would put on a get together at school and all the parents would come to see us at our best.  We would sing Christmas carols and act out a small play.  I have always been scared to death of public speaking and I didn’t like to do any of it.  I even felt self conscious when singing with the rest of the students.

Today, you can’t even say Merry Christmas in school for fear of offending someone.  The teachers and students can’t decorate the school and I think it is sad.  We had so much fun and didn’t even dream that anyone could take offense at talking about Jesus.  Times have changed and I think sometimes not for the better.  People take offense at just about everything today. Momma Said, “Christmas is about the birth of Christ and I will continue to say Merry Christmas and hold to my beliefs.”

I just hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, safe journeys and great visits with friends and family.  And may you find joy in everything you pursue.

Potato Bacon Casserole

 Ingredients

• 4 Cups Frozen Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes
• 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
• 8 Ounces Bacon Or Turkey Bacon, Cooked And Crumbled
• 1 Cup (4-Ounces) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 (12-Ounce) Can Evaporated Milk
• 1 Large Egg, Lightly Beaten
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Seasoned Salt

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 8-inch-square baking dish.

LAYER 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1/2 bacon and 1/2 cheese in prepared baking dish; repeat layers. Combine evaporated milk, egg and seasoned salt in small bowl. Pour evenly over potato mixture; cover.

BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes. Uncover; bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.