Countdown to Christmas

When most people hear the word “countdown” they think of space exploration. The final countdown before the rocket lifts off to space.

John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth completing three orbits in 1962. His flight lasted just a little under five hours and he became an American space hero. The countdown to his launch must have been exciting and it definitely made history.

But the word “countdown” can fit into other scenarios too.

The 2021 football season has been so thrilling. In front of 106, 815 fans, the Texas A&M Aggies beat Alabama. The countdown had begun, the teams were tied 38 to 38, two seconds left in the game and Seth Small A & M’s kicker, kicked the winning field goal. The A & M Aggies became the first unranked team to beat Alabama since 2007. What a thrilling countdown. If you watch college pre-game shows, there is a countdown clock to the start of the game on the television screen these days. It makes it easy to know how many minutes/ seconds before a game actually starts. The La Grange Leopard fans anxiously counted down the final 10 seconds in Irving, Texas in 2000 - the La Grange football team beat Forney 20 to 17 to win the 3-A Division II state championship. Football countdowns are exhilarating.

Countdowns also are political. It wasn’t too long ago that the citizens of the United States were anxiously waiting for the results of the presidential election. Some of us try to forget the outcome and then there are some that are thrilled with the election results. Needless to say, that countdown/evening was a long ordeal.

Weeks before “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, businesses start advertising their black Friday deals and sales. Then, comes the countdown on Thanksgiving. Believe it or not people wait in lines for their favorite retail store to open so they can be first to get that one item at 50% off or even 70% off. Tis the season to use that credit card or spend that money.

The countdown to Christmas Eve is always exciting to a child who participates in their church’s Christmas program. Practices, costumes and memorization of lines all countdown to a memorable event where the children tell the inspiring story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the highlight of many area churches each year.

The holiday season is upon us and the countdown has begun in preparation for Christmas Day. Stores are busy with shoppers purchasing gifts, cards, gift wrap, bows, etc. in anticipation for the greatest gift giving day of the year – Christmas. Christmas trees and lights are going up all over the city and county. Children and adults are preparing for church services. Packages and cards are being signed, sealed and being taken to the Post Office. Fewer and fewer days are left in the countdown to prepare for Christmas.

Yes, countdowns are exhilarating whether during the holidays, sports events or political news but one thing for sure, a good countdown is stimulating and memorable. May your countdown to Christmas be fun, festive and happy. Merry Christmas.