My neighbor is a huge Christmas-lover. She cracks me up, especially when she posted this on Facebook---
And you know? While some folks' Christmas tradition is to complain--
"Oh! Those Christmas tv ads began the day after Halloween!"
"Man, does the Hallmark channel have to start airing Christmas movies so soon?"
"Did you see how the supermarket already has snowflakes and Santas and carols blaring? Good grief."
"I haven't even made Thanksgiving plans yet!"
--I'm thinking, this year? Maybe we all need Early Christmas.
Wait. Seriously. I mean, oh, what we've all watched happen even in our streets these months.
The political arguing.
The revenge-seeking.
The abandoning of years-long friendships.
The division of a Country gone extreme.
Early Christmas? Perhaps this year it could help heal what we experienced in our troubled 2018 world.
"To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." – Calvin Coolidge
"Christmas, my child, is love in action." – Dale Evans
“Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner Rice
"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" – Bob Hope
Real Christmas. It's not the screaming babies with their weary-eyed mothers in shops with Christmas tunes blaring. Nor worrying about money to pay for perfect gifts or decorating like our home is a NYC magical store window. Nor is it the too many parties or performances or big dinners eaten late at night and the non-sleeping and the rushing, rushing to get everywhere.
Uh, no.
Instead, it's the remembering that God sent Jesus to heal our hurts and give us an un-shatterable joy in all ages throughout Time, even this one enveloped by strife.
And may we remember The Real. And do. And be. And live it. And may we welcome, not resent, Early Christmas with its reminders (trees, carols, decor, parties, etc.) of what matters most.
And as Charles Dickens said, may we honor Christmas in our hearts and try to keep it all the year. Even now, all these weeks before Thanksgiving.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality." — Washington Irving
"A good conscience is a continual Christmas." – Benjamin Franklin
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"Walk ... with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." ... Ephesians 4:2
Love this Debra ! I also love Christmas. I start shopping early, enjoy the Christmas movies ear!y but I do wait until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate and play Christmas music! I have also noticed how people are happier and kinder this time of year!
ReplyDeleteAmen and Amen Debra! I love this. If people only had the kindness of Christmas in their hearts year around I believe it would be a much better world. Blessings, Betsy
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I used to get caught up in the frenzy of trying to buy the perfect gifts, wrapping them beautifully, decorating my home like a magazine cover, going out for "Christmas-time lunches" with acquaintances, baking cookies, making candies, helping with church programs, singing in choirs, etc. HOWEVER, a few years ago, God allowed me to survive cancer, and now I simply celebrate the season simply. I donated lots of decorations and now we put up our most sentimental items. I still make cookies, candies and special food, but it's for small family gatherings. And our adult kids have decided to forego gift exchanges, but we like to get together for shared meals. I'm so thankful to still be here, learning and enjoying new found freedom to simplify this awesome time of year. Thanks for your words of wisdom, Debra!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you enjoyed this post, Elizabeth! And I liked how you mentioned the difference in people, also. I notice it, too, and that's really one of the best parts. :)
ReplyDeleteBetsy--so true! And is it really so hard to be kind? Uh, no. it's especially simple when we make it our goal and spend time thinking up ways to bless others.
Pam--oh my! Your first sentence exhausted me. Really! So happy we all seem to gain some wisdom in this area as we age. Well, many of us. heh. I like watching my neighbor do Christmas--she does a lot but keeps the joy all the while. Fun! (And rare, I'm thinking....smile...)
Thanks, Everyone! ... Blessings, Debra