I am looking more forward to this Christmas more than any other Christmas in recent history. I am not anxious to have it get here and over with. I feel like I will get to enjoy the season for the first time in years. The gifts I have for everyone were carefully considered, many homemade.
The lesson I shared with my SuperChurch (kids' church) really hit home for me. We talked about all the preparation for special guests especially around the holidays. We talked about cleaning and decorating and making food and treats. We discussed why we did all those things and how that made our guests feel welcome and special. We talked about all the preparations being for the guest of honor, Jesus Christ and then we decorated our room to welcome Him.
That simple lesson is what I want to live this holiday season. I want my guests and loved ones to know that they are special and worth the efforts and preparations. That all of my "work" was done out of a place of love and care, not obligation and stress. Our shopping for the holidays has been scaled back, but I plan to bake and decorate as usual, if not more. The only thing I am changing is my attitude while doing all me typical holiday preparations. I plan to have more fun, be more creative and worry less. I plan to be more generous, not less.
I thrive on doing for others and have somehow gotten cynical over the years. This year I plan to revert back to my naive ways. I will believe that there is nothing anyone would appreciate more than a dozen homemade cookies or a handmade ornament. I will play Christmas music and have hot cider at the ready for unexpected guests. I will give without thought or want of receiving. Perhaps more difficult, I will be a gracious recipient without feeling as if I must answer with an equal gift. I will take special care in my wrap and presentation.
All of the things I enjoyed about the holidays gradually became tedious chores over the years. I dreaded baking and decorating--things I LOVE to do! I also have to let go of getting everything done perfectly. I may not get it all done. That is OK.
I want my kids to remember a fun, festive, joyous atmostphere, not the stresses of the holidays or just the toys they get. I am taking my Happy Holidays back.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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3 comments:
Penny, you certainly have the true spirit of Christmas! It's not about what you get or give or even what you can't get or give, but to surround yourself with the ones you love and remember Him!
Merry Christmas, Penny! Many blessings on you and your family!
Good for you. Sometimes we get so engulfed in the pomp and circumstance that we overlook Christ. Our Christmas was almost entirely handmade and the kids didn't miss a thing. We must get away from the comercialism that holidays have become and return to celebrating those times of year we have set aside as our Holy days!
See my blog at mommygalloway@blogspot.com
hey Penny, it was great chatting with you tonight on etsychat! Still working on that follow. I know you are waiting with baited breath...;)
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