How many of you panic when you hear there are only 12 shopping days until Christmas? I hate to shop so those words always make me feel stressed. I love giving gifts to those I love and care about but sometimes it ends up being a huge stressor finding the right gift. Every year I say that I will buy gifts throughout the year and put them aside. Great idea but I never do it.
Many of us at Christmas get hot under the collar about keeping Christ in Christmas. However, I wonder how different our actions are than someone who could care less about the true meaning. We are just as broke and exhausted on December 26th as anyone else. Oh, but we did take a few minutes to go to church, maybe read the Christmas story and buy for a child in need.
I have been pondering Christmas a lot this year. I think that the down time from my surgery this year has made me more contemplative than normal. So much is expected and anticipated this time of year. If we are not careful we can be set up for a whole series of disappointments. I know for me that I have had a really difficult Christmas those years that I lost someone close to me. I knew that our traditions would be forever changed with their loss. That is understandably sad. But how about all the people that are still here or all the blessings I still have?
Another realization I had this year is the underlying reason why I don’t get jazzed up about the decorating and festivities. I think it is because I don’t have children to share it with or who will enjoy it. I think we have made it a time for the young and the young at heart. So when reality doesn’t measure up to our expectations we get sad.
My goal for next year is to start some new traditions that will bless others and make me smile as well. I want to figure out what exactly it is that would make this time joyful but also meaningful. The pressure of the season tends to paralyze me to inaction. I need to find a balance. What that looks like for me will be different for you. However, here are some of my ideas:
· Advent readings—I have ordered a couple of books to have on hand for next year to read with my husband throughout Advent season. I think a nice cup of coffee and a small piece of chocolate will enhance the experience.
· Helping others in need—this could be buying for children locally or sending aide to folks in other countries through an agency like World Vision.
· Borrowing kids while their parents shop—we could do a Christmas activity or make cookies. At the same time I can share with them parts of the Christmas story.
· Help my Mom decorate—since we spend Christmas with my family I don’t decorate a whole lot at my own home knowing I will enjoy what my Mom has done. Maybe I could go a weekend before Christmas and help her (I know she is agreeing with that right now!).
· Going to programs—I have already been blessed by two amazing programs this year which have helped me to focus my mind and prioritize my activities.
As I look over this list it dawns on me that these activities should not be limited to just one month a year. I heard a quote on the radio from a child who said on Christmas day that we should have Christmas every day. But then he paused and said “No…that would be exhausting!” Funny that a child would notice the stress that his parents (and maybe he) had faced for that one day! Many times we drive ourselves crazy “for the kids” when in actuality they don’t care. It’s like when you spend every nickel you have on the latest toy and they enjoy the box more!
So take a few minutes to reflect on your preparations for Christmas. I challenge you to do only those things that you truly enjoy. You can also think of ways to spread this joy throughout the year. Perhaps doing this will give you more time to read God’s Word, pray and spend time in His Presence—after all, His Presence is a true present indeed! What a gift!
“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:1-3 (ESV)
Have a great day!