The Christmas Day count down is on. Most probably it has been on for quite some time. Guess it would be more accurate to say, that the rush is on, that is if one is so inclined to do the rush thing. For the most part we are ready, that is to the extent that we are going to be involved in Christmas preparations. We have given or have gifts ready, we are seriously mulling over the idea of eating Chinese food instead of making a traditional meal for Christmas day. Don't feel sorry for our decision or lack of family or friends to go to, we like mixing it up for the holidays. A lot, not all, but a whole lot of Christmas celebration is done out of, this is what we have always done or this is how we were raised. If you are a traditional family with small children, it is really important to establish holiday traditions and take in the child-like wonder of Christmas. But, let's say, you are reading this and right now you don't fit into a traditional looking situation. It might be the year that you can't go home for Christmas or those who usually come can't for some reason. You might be single, widowed, married never had children, or just plain ol' have a horrible family situation and the holidays can feel this overpowering sense of, "hmm...you don't fit in the mold." I used to think that on Christmas day that everyone else I knew were having these fantastic, love-filled, fun-filled days, but of course I know better than that now. Please don't think I am mocking those who have their holiday traditions mapped out the moment the last of the Thanksgiving turkey has been consumed or thrown out., because I'm not. What I am writing about or to, those who don't quite feel a fit.
Roy and I have spent many a holiday with our families, well mainly my family, but the past few years he and I have ventured out of doing that and making our own holiday traditions. And here's the thing, our traditions don't necessarily come into the next year's celebration. Our tradition is this, to have joy, to be focused on the true meaning of Christmas and to have some fun while we are at it. Last year we went to the Inn on the Biltmore Estate and had a blast! We experienced a white, snowy Christmas Day during our stay. You'd think after that wonderful experience, we would head back this year...and we contemplated doing just that. When Roy and I were first married and my family opened gifts on Christmas morning, we had our tradition of going to the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service and then coming home to hot coco and a little something to snack on and then opening our gifts for each other. Great tradition but we began to tweak it a little as the years went by. At some point we quit giving each other big Christmas gifts because in reality, we pretty much get what we want all year. So we began giving only stocking stuffer type gifts. Some years it is a total hit and other years, we may not be all that excited about doing the whole stocking stuffer kind of thing. We have the tradition, and can practice it or leave it for another year without either one of us getting unhappy. Like I said, we have tweaked things throughout the years. In the past ten years or so, there isn't anyway I can stay up till 11:00 and then go to a service, so we started going to St Martin's Episcopal church for their 9:00 pm service. You get a once a year experience of liturgical worship and the church, music and sermon are excellent. After the service, we by ourselves or with others, drive around and look at Christmas lights. This year, we have found a church here in Katy having an 8:00 pm service and we will probably go there. We will open our stocking stuffers on Christmas morning this year...Some holidays we end up at the Bains and have fun in all the craziness that is their family. There were years of quiet and subdued times as we celebrated with my parents and my mom didn't quite understand or know what was going on. We began the tradition of bringing catered or take out food over to my parent's home. I'm hoping to keep my record in tact of never having to prepare a turkey.
I have traditions with friends and every year doesn't always look the same, but we at least try to do dinner and maybe a quick look at lights. Some years it feels pretty special and we do it up right and some years we are happy to grab some time at Luby's to say Merry Christmas.
If you don't have any friends, then start being to others the kind of friend you would like to have. Don't roll out your tales of sadness that many have heard time and time again. Rejoice and be glad. Look for all kinds of ways to be a blessing.
Don't worry about fitting into the box of real or imagined Christmas celebrations. Make your own. Be happy and joyous if year to year those traditions don't look at all alike. Don't be envious of others that you imagine have the most wonderful times and traditions. Don't be depressed if you and yours aren't included in any one's Christmas celebrations. Be giving and do things for those you know and those you don't. Have a generous heart and you won't have time or the inclination to be anxious over how Christmas may look this year. Read Facebook and Twitter with a joyous attitude as others share their day. Heck, add you own take on the day but don't you dare add that semi sounding misery element in there so that others will feel sorry for you. Live above that. Go to the movies while everyone else is eating their Christmas feast. It won't be crowded and the popcorn will be fresh. Some years we put up a tree, some years we don't. This year we have some Christmas decorations out and maybe next year more will be placed in and around our home.
I've written before we've noticed by the end of Christmas Day there are a lot of cars roaming about looking for something to be open. Too much family time can cause claustrophobia. There is all that build up of expectations that begin around Thanksgiving and direct themselves toward December 25th. Then comes December 26 and many are ready for life to return to normal or the focus on New Years begins. Some December 26 can feel as if December 25th never happened.
So, Merry Christmas! Celebrate the Savior's birth. Honor Him. Love others. Don't feel bad or pressured that your celebration doesn't look like the ubiquitous celebrations both real and portrayed. Merry, Merry Christmas!
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