I love God with all my heart. I have for as long as I can remember. He is the reason I am still alive today. But, for many years, I have had trouble with how we celebrate His human arrival into this world.
Since the kids have grown and left, we don't have a tree with decorations or twinkling lights to welcome twilight. Did you know that both the tree and the lights we originally brought into the house to keep demons away? First because it was 'magical' that a pine tree was still green in winter and later it was lit up with candles to make sure the bad spirits saw it and were appropriately scared away. Of course, that has evolved into different meanings over the years--like the lights representing Jesus, the Light of the World--but that doesn't erase the pagan origins of the tradition and that goes for Halloween, too.
Also, for me, Christmas coming in the heat of summer--after so, so many years of picture perfect cold weather holidays--it just doesn't seem right to kill a tree and bring it inside until it turns brown. And, even after 9 Christmases here, I am still caught off guard, occasionally, by hearing a Christmas song on the radio in the car when the AC is on full blast.
Hubby and I don't exchange presents and haven't for several years. First off, I hate surprises. And secondly, we buy what we want during the year, whether it's a simple or huge. Of course, we buy what we need, too, and never gave the kids 'necessary' things for Christmas presents because I always detested them. Sorry, Mom. I tried to act happy about the clothes but deep down I knew it was just because Dad was cheap and I wasn't the favorite.
Another thing. Your friends don't give each other presents on your birthday. The presents are suppose to be for the one who is celebrating their entrance into this world. 'The spirit of the season' seems a pitiful grasp at straws for a reason to go overboard to cram all the 'good tidings' and 'good will toward men' into a few weeks. We should be giving Jesus the gifts for His birthday and the only one He wants is your heart. And, I'm pretty sure He would want you to be nice to people all year round.
The final reason I have so much trouble with celebrating Jesus just one day is that I am grateful to Him every day of my life and I tell Him so quite often. I can't find the gumption to turn it up a notch for one long day when I am so thankful the other days of the year.
Here they call the time of year when kids are home from school for the summer and parliament is adjourned for the holidays the 'silly season' because there isn't much real news so silly things like hoaxes and such are 'reported.' At first, I found that odd. But then I realized that it applies all over the world for this time of year. People do and buy and say things that they wouldn't ordinarily do or buy or say the rest of the year. It makes much more sense to show the 'Christmas spirit' all year round as a gift to the One who is celebrated. Go the extra mile, make the 'special' gift, do a good deed when it's needed--not just at Christmas time.
8 comments:
There are all sorts of ways to celebrate seasons and holidays. They say that if we didn't have christmas we would ( and have in past centuries) have thought up a holiday to restore our hope and faith that the long winters wouldn't last forever. In November and December there are 29 holidays celebrated in different cultures and different religions - something for most everyone who wants to celebrate something. And ways for everyone to express their love, loyalty, faith etc. I personally don't celebrate christmas as a religious holiday - I like the fun and gift giving and getting and food and sharing and thinking more about others - I think it is a reminder to us all to be more aware all year round - sometimes we need a little shake-up to keep us on track of caring for others.
My husband and I exchange gifts - we are like kids in a candy store - the most fun is choosing for each other and seeing each other open the gifts. We also buy gifts for each other and for friends and family throughout the year - we give gifts to everyone at our own birthday parties - and sometimes we give gifts during the year just for the fun of the giving, or we notice that someone is in need of something and we are happy to supply it - even to paying bills (sometimes in private to avoid embarrassment) for others when we can. I think the spirit of chrismtas is a good thing - and we can use good things in this world today.
As for decorations - I like the glitter and gleam - I like the tinsel and the lights - and then when it is over I like lovingly packing it all away and cleaning the house from top to bottom to welcome in the new year. May your days be satisfying and delightful dear friend.
I love your post ii is written so wisely. Love from Poland
You're right about all you say, when you think too much :) I think meanings for the holidays changes with the times, and we shouldn't put them in concrete to never be changeable. Christmas for Christians should be in your heart all year long, but not everyone is Christian. Holidays exist, just as memorials exist, to comfort humans for whatever reasons each of us finds we need comforting with. We each embrace a holiday or don't embrace a holiday for what it means to us personally and what we need in our life at the time to feel good about our life. It's possible for personal holiday meanings to change, so we embrace at the time what works for us. I think we should let everyone celebrate the holiday the way it pleases them best, because in reality it is just a day like any other day. It is what is in our head and heart that makes it special or not special. I'm a Christian, but I really don't connect Christmas with Christ's birth. It is just a happy time of the year and I embrace it fully. Wishing you and your husband the best for the rest of this year and the next one on the horizon.
You are right! He is the Gift! We do give gift because of the children, but even with them we keep the gift giving low key and we try to focus the season on why we are really celebrating. Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year !
YOURS:)*
A lot of truth here. My issue has been more how the Christian holiday has been taken over to the point where in America it is offensive to even say "Merry Christmas" to someone and were suppose to say "Happy Holidays". You would never see that happen with any other religion in the world. We would never dream of changing the name of the holiday greeting of another religion. It is so unjust and wrong.
Heisann..... thanks a lot for your nice comment on my blog. I see we celebrate this season of the year in different ways, no matter as long as we have a good time ;:OD)
Warm New Year's Greetings!
You're right about many you say. But that's life. Every person is different.
That makes it alive.
Have a nice year - as you wish for.
Dear greetings, ZamJu
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