The true meaning of Christmas can sometimes get lost with all the commercialism this time of year.

What is the real meaning of Christmas?Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets?Is this really Christmas?Every so often you come across a person who really knows what this season is all about.They make you realize what a special time of year this is, no matter what difficulties you are facing.They remind you that Christmas isn't about the hustle and bustle of shopping, it's about celebrating the birth of Christ, traditions and sharing this season with the ones you love.One such person is Peter Kupec of Lansford, whose decorating traditions go back as far as he can remember. For more than 70 years, he has continued those traditions started in his youth.Each year, he transforms his home into one of the most beautiful Christmas displays you could ever imagine. The focal point of his home is always the manger scene, where some pieces are over 80 years old.Kupec never hesitates when asked about it, "the birth of Christ is what it's all about," he says. Although you can find a few Santa Claus decorations, you have no doubt that Christ is the main man in the display.Czech rootsKupec, 83, was born in Coaldale, the youngest of seven children.He had five brothers: Joe, Johnny, Wendel, Michael, Frank; and a sister, Mary Ann. Both of his parents were born in Czechoslovakia.Although he didn't start speaking English until the first grade, Kupec's mother made sure he realized how important it was to learn the language. He remembers asking his mother a question in Slovak and her responding in English.Kupec's father passed away when he was very young. By the time Peter was 13, his older brothers were soldiers stationed away from home, leaving him to be the man of the house."With my brothers away, I took on the responsibility as the family decorator. Mom was always so busy; it made me so proud to be able to help her," Kupec remembers.Years later, he himself was a soldier, serving in the Army, including a 19-month stint in Korea from 1950-52.Kupec was lucky enough to meet the love of his life when he was 7 years old.He met Bernadine at the wedding of his oldest brother, Joseph, who was marrying Bernadine's oldest sister, Mary."For me, it was love at first sight. I'm not sure it was that way for her, but for me, I knew she was the girl for me," he explains."She was the prettiest girl I'd ever seen. I can still picture her and remember how her hair was combed and exactly how she looked on that day." Kupec proudly notes, "I've known her for 77 years!"The couple had three children: two daughters, Mary Ann DiMattia and Ann Therese Plocinik; and a son, Peter Adam Kupec Jr. Their son passed away in 2002 from complications of diabetes, despite a heroic effort by his mother, who gave Peter Jr. one of her kidneys in 1989.Doctors told the couple the gift gave their son an additional 13 years of life he never would have had without the transplant.Life anewKupec and his beloved Bernadine were married almost 55 years when she passed away in 2009.Spend any amount of time with Kupec and he will tell you all about "his Bernadine" and their love for so many things. One such love they had in common was singing."We used to sit on the couch and sing Christmas carols," he reminisces. A good number of them were sung in Slovak, with their favorite being "Tich Noc/Svata Noc" (Silent Night/Holy Night)."Our former neighbor, Rose McArdle, would turn her television down when she heard us singing. She would tap on the wall and yell over, what page are you on? She would then sing with us through the adjoining wall," he laughs.Bernadine loved angels. They were always her favorite decorations during Christmas. Kupec now refers to her as "his angel," proudly displaying a photograph of her surrounded by angels, keeping her presence alive in their home.Kupec visits "his angel's" grave every Sunday. During those visits, he always plays two polkas for her."We used to love to sing and dance to them. It reminds me that she's still singing and dancing," he wistfully says.Time flies by while talking with Kupec. He freely shares so many heartwarming stories, some sad, some hilarious. Along with the laughter and tears, he shares another tradition "Jezis Kove" (Jesus' drink), a homemade Slovakian beverage.One of the most important things to take away from a visit with the elderly man is that love lost is still love. It just takes a different form.You can't see their smile, bring them food, tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor, but when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory.Memory becomes your partner.You nurture it.You hold it.You dance with it.Life has to end. Love doesn't.It becomes a new tradition.