Sick of the Christmas music yet? How about Christmas movies? What about the hours of shopping, wrapping presents, baking goodies, and smiling? I'm not. Is there something wrong with me? I commented to my hubby and son today that I wish Christmas would last another month. My son agreed with me; my husband looked at me like I was nuts.
Sure, I love the music. When I hear Christmas hymns, Nat King Cole or Burl Ives sing Christmas songs it brings back childhood memories of my mom playing Christmas music on the family record player. We'd listen all day while we played, baked, or worked. At the time I took it for granted. Today I would give almost anything to go back for just one day.
I've mentioned in a previous blog that my favorite Christmas movie is "Scrooged." I love that movie and the story of Scrooge, because Dickens gives us hope that people can change for the better. Even the crustiest, grouchiest of us can become a happy, loving person.
But I couldn't figure out why I wanted Christmas to last this year. Sure, the music and movies are fantastic, but still. Then it struck me the other morning why I love Christmas so much. It is a time of hope. People are happier. They smile more and they are (usually) more patient. While waiting in line at the security gates in the airport this week I looked up at the man in front of me (he was very tall) and he was wearing a Santa hat! In my eagerness to get through security to pick up my son I hadn't noticed that there were several people in line with Santa hats on and they were all adults with happy attitudes. They made me smile.
We celebrate Christmas not just for the commercialism of it, but to honor our brother, Jesus Christ. We give gifts in honor of Him, as the wise men from the East gave Him gifts. With His life, He brought hope to humanity. Steve and I reminded our boys on Christmas Eve this year that Christmas isn't about the gifts we receive, it's about the gift of the Savior in our lives. It's His influence, His love, and His sacrifice that we celebrate.
So while you're packing up and heading home or putting away Christmas decor, don't despair! Christmas can remain, at least, in your heart. May you celebrate Christmas not just today, but all year long. Merry Christmas my friends!
I have been thinking the same thing. I don't want the Christmas season to end either-- except for my Christmas tree that is making me sick and the way too many sweets that I have been eating.
ReplyDeleteI love the kindness, generosity, hope, and goodness that is displayed more readily this time of year. You're right though as we pack up Christmas we don't have to pack away the hope of this season. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.