Notes On Christmas

A friend posted a message on a popular Internet socializing site, saying they hate Christmas.  Another said they are suffering from "stress, stress, stress".  It's so sad. Christmas is such a joyful time. It's the day we celebrate the birth of our savior, The Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.  Nothing more. It's not about giving gifts. The gift has already been given. And it's especially NOT about greed. We can't be given any more than Jesus gave. His life for ours. 

I sent a reading of "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" to my family this morning. That is my only nod to the secular version of Christmas.  I'm not sorry I did. It's a reminder of simpler, more innocent times.  But still, to me, Christmas is a religious holiday.

I got to the point where I hated Christmas too. The giving of presents. Making sure that every one was just right, and perfect for the receiver. (You know that I inherited perfectionism from my dad.)  It just got to be too much.  I have nine grandkids. Every one of their parents make more than I do. Truth be told, I can't afford to buy a bunch of stuff that will be tossed in the trash in less than a month.  I don't like to NOT give them gifts, I really can't. 

Because of this, Kathryn and I "Adopt" a needy child. We anonymously give that one child clothing, and a present or two.  My kids and grandkids have presents galore, and then some. Now, of course, my grandchildren, who are the most perfect in the world, are not spoiled... Heavens! Perish the thought. But they DO have the things they need. Food, clothing, shelter, and parents who love them. Friends and family, there are children who don't have the things they need, never mind the things they want. For this reason, both Kathryn and I believe that it is our Christian duty to lend them a helping hand.  A warm coat, a new shirt and pair of pants, new underwear, and shoes will mean a lot more than the little toy that goes along with the other packages. And keep them warmer too.

So here's the bottom line. If you're stressed about Christmas, do what I have done. Stop doing Xmas, and start doing CHRISTmas. I promise you, that 60 years down the road, gathering your kids on the couch and reading "Avisit From Saint Nicholas" will mean a lot more than all the "Little-Girl-Dolls-That-Bubble-And-Coo-Little-Pop-Guns-And-Kiddie-Cars-Too".

Give this a thought. Like Elvis. Santa has left the building. If you do, I promise, your heart will be lighter, and your pocketbook heavier. Plus, when you get used to the idea, because addiction to Christmas and all it's secular trappings is as hard to break as any habit, your stress level will be a LOT less.

Happy Birthday Jesus, and Merry CHRISTmas everybody.

Agape
Lee