I’m laughing at the moment. Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. Is it really? It should be right? It’s supposed to be all about family, celebrating the birth of Christ – the actual reason for the season, and about generosity. But even in the best of times the Christmas Holiday season is trying. It’s much better for me these days. After 30 years of retail, literally striving to commercialize every aspect of the season, it’s nice to just try to enjoy it. Still, with the economy the way it’s been, supply chain issues, a virus that just won’t go away, a country that is dangerously divided, the happenings throughout the world – it just seems to make it harder.
But in all reality, that’s backwards. Christmas should make life easier. Because it is all about the reason for the season. You see, most of us feel rushed, hurried, stressed at this time of year, but that’s because we let the world push us into it. This season used to be about slowing down, reflecting, sharing, loving, caring, and understanding. There was a time when most of America enjoyed a simple and peaceful holiday. When it was more about giving of one’s self. So, how do you slow down?
Just do it. Haven’t finished your gift buying yet? Do something different. Spend some time in the kitchen or in the shop. Make your own gifts. Get radical about getting de-commercialized. We’re having a homemade Christmas. No bought gifts. They can be as simple or elaborate as talent allows, but they have to be homemade. Crafts, cards, candy, cookies, candles, jams, or pictures – so many simple but pleasurable things we can do for each other. We’re going to be about family, about celebrating the birth of our Savior, and hopefully about joy.
I hope your Christmas is full of Joy. I hope you find peace, time to relax, and time to spend with those closest to you. Merry Christmas, and I wish you the best for the New Year.
