I'm not sure what defines a religious experience, but I would like to think it is an experience that leaves you with warm feelings and a sense of belonging. I have not come across that piece of work through my college or high school years, but when I was younger 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was a religious experience. Every Christmas eve my mother would read that story to my younger sister and I before she put us to bed. I can still feel the smile it put on my face and the excitement in my dreams for the coming morning. The morning when Santa would leave gifts under the tree. Now that I think about it, I feel a little sad that we have lost the tradition even though I am 22 and not living at home. Some day when I have kids I just might have to read them the story Twas the Night Before Christmas.
