People have many different ideas about this time of year. Some people love it, and some people hate it. Some people look forward to it, while others dread it. Some people revel in the celebration, and others can’t wait for it to be over. This time of year, which we call the “holiday season” elicits an opinion from just about everybody. And because those opinions are based on personal experience and teaching, they as varied as snowflakes. Even within ourselves we may have mixed emotions about the season. Our current circumstances definitely influence our attitudes, as do our surroundings. Religious beliefs and family traditions also play major roles in our sentiments about the holidays.
So, here is a little bit of my seasonal reasoning… (for what it’s worth) 😊
Society embraces this season, and that allows us time to spend with our family and friends. Of course, society’s motives are driven by profit margins, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t take advantage of the opportunity. Kids have a lengthy break from school, and parents often take some time off work. Even if we can’t be with family, we can use the time to enjoy a little change of pace. There are often gatherings of some sort; co-workers, neighbors, or friends have parties. Civic events, like tree-lightings can bring people together. And holiday entertainment is usually uplifting. Just about everyone has a favorite holiday movie.
Holiday decorations are typically dazzling. There is just something to be said for all those lights! I still remember my dad driving us around to look at them when I was a kid. It was a highlight of the season for me. And even now, I get excited by festive light displays. Our little town does an outstanding job of lighting the main street; and there is a lovely display of lighted trees by the lake and another around the pond. I smile every time I see them. We recently attended a party at a friend’s house that was beautifully decorated for the holidays. It was a pleasure to behold all of the tasteful adornments. It looked like a holiday movie set.
I enjoy decorating my own house as well. The tree with all its lights and ornaments, and my other decorations bring back many good memories and special thoughts. When I unpack the ornaments that were gifts, I think about the givers. Even the things that I’ve gotten for myself remind me of certain times or experiences for which I’m thankful. Plus, I just like looking them.
Presents are a central theme of the season. And I love to give them. My heart thrills when I find the perfect gift for someone. I like seeing lots of presents wrapped in colorful paper under the tree and seeing the smiles as they are opened. Even though gift giving is really promoted by commerce, people generally do think more about the act of giving during the holiday season. People seem to be a little friendlier, a little happier, and a little kinder at this time of year.
These are just a few of the things that I appreciate about the holiday season. These things make me happy. You might not observe or enjoy these same things. But as I mentioned earlier, our opinions don’t have to agree. Your experiences and mine may be very different. How we were raised and what we were taught contribute to our individuality and our free-will opinions. There is no one-right-way of celebrating the holidays – even if it’s not celebrating them at all.
Most Christians are aware that December 25th is not the actual day that Jesus was born. But it is the day that our society makes time for us to celebrate it. Given the state of the world these days, I’m thankful that there is still a time set aside to recognize our Savior’s birth even if it’s not the right date. So why not use the time available and rejoice anyway?
The popular holiday activities with all their trimmings are simply remnants of traditions handed down through the years and can be fun if we want to participate. Santa Claus, trees, lights, and decorations have no connection to Jesus’ birth and I don’t try to put them in the same category. But a lot of the classic carols and other references to our Lord are still around at this time of year and I appreciate that too. I think of it like two simultaneous but separate celebrations.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I hope you have a wonderful holiday no matter what your opinions are of the season. Whether you choose to celebrate or not, I hope you are blessed. My prayer is that you have peace and joy, that you love and are loved, and that you smile.
One of my favorite holiday shows is “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. I think it’s great that Linus recites scriptures from Luke:
Luke 2:8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Our wonderful savior, our Lord Jesus Christ should never be far from our thoughts. And thinking about his birth during the holiday season is not a bad thing. Whatever you feel about the holidays, savor every moment.
Note to my readers: “Happy Holidays”! “Merry Christmas”! Whatever you choose to say – enjoy. Thanks for reading!