The Christmas "Season"

Christmas stresses me out.

I know I'm not the only one, and, honestly, I know that right now, from where I sit, things are pretty darn good and that isn't the case for everyone.  Too, I know all the reasons why this "season" causes me to focus so much on things instead of the real reason, the birth of Christ.

The problem is, knowing all of this doesn't keep me from falling into the stress trap this time of year.  There are a ton of things to get done.  Presents to buy, trees to decorate, lights to hang, cookies to bake, cards to address, carols to sing, etc, etc.


Don't get me wrong, I love our family traditions - that is why we continue them.  I'm an absolute fan of this Christian holiday during which we, as believers, publicly pronounce our faith (even though many work to mold it into a commercialized mess) and are tangibly reminded of the fact that our God came to earth to teach us, and serve us, and sacrifice all for us.  I just wish my personal experience of this "season" wasn't so busy that I often miss the most important parts.


I was listening to the radio today in the car, and _The Little Drummer Boy_ came on.  Shortly before that, a song by Amy Grant titled _Silent Night_ (not the one you're thinking of) was played, and the lyrics spoke of the busyness of the Christmas "season," and the singer's pleas for a truly silent night amidst the craziness of shopping for gifts and holiday parties.  Later, the disc jockey came on and invited the listeners to tell their friends about that radio station and how it played Christmas songs with "real meaning."

That got me thinking.  I thought about how wonderful it would be (and stress relieving) to not feel so obligated this time of year to buy and do.  How, that night, when our King was born, a little boy's gift of music was appropriate, and even valued.  How we create such a burden on our time and financial resources this time of year to show appreciation for those in our lives within a small window of time.

What would it be like if we all took time to truly appreciate those around us all year long and didn't need to do so just in this "season?"  What if we showed our appreciation in the currency of our choice - one that we could, beyond any doubt, afford?  Would we then be freed up to be still in the moment, reflecting upon the meaning of a God child and how that would forever change our world?

I don't know.  I'm very aware of just how much I, in my humanness and uncanny ability to get distracted by the tiniest of things, need an annual reminder of Christ's birth and all the relationships in my life that I appreciate.  Otherwise, I suspect that due to sheer distraction, years might go by before I would find myself reflecting upon all things Christmas that matter.

I suppose the trick, for me, is to avoid the common pitfalls that come with what is a worldly, highly commercialized and often exploited holiday, and express my faith and the overflowing love that it produces to those around me in a way that is uniquely mine.

I suppose that is really the challenge to all of us.

Just some thoughts I'm pondering this month.