There are mixed feelings when this time of year come around. First and foremost, this time of year makes me a kid again! The lights, the presents, the music...the excitement is almost overwhelming. I love driving at night and passing by houses that have their lights lit. Even if it's as simple as seeing a tree through the front window, I just get this warm fuzzy feeling. I always try to find the station on the radio that plays Christmas music 24/7. I can't wait to wrap presents and see them all under the tree, waiting for my loved ones to open them and I get to see the expressions on their faces. This time of year just makes me...happy.
Another feeling I get occasionally is, I guess you'd call it pity. I feel sorry for the people who don't see Christmas as I see it. They dread the upcoming family gatherings, knowing so-and-so is so obnoxious and so-and-so likes to gossip. They go Christmas gift shopping like it's a chore, and usually buy a lame gift card instead of putting love and thoughtfulness and creativity into getting a gift. People in stores are worried about getting in and out quickly, everything's rushed, and people are just in general disgruntled. That's not what Christmas is about.
Christmas is joy. It's laughter. It's family. It's peace on Earth. It's not about how much a person can get, or how much a person can spend on a gift. It's about receiving one Gift. One very IMPORTANT gift, and that would be Jesus. Now, I'm not one to spout on and on about religion. I believe in God and Jesus and the mighty works they both have done and do every day. But I never feel the need to go out and preach to every person I meet. I know that may be wrong, and that's how I should be. But Christmas brings out something in me. After all, that's what, or should I say WHO Christmas is about. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus. Even though the world is cruel and disgusting and full of sin, He still loved it enough to do that.
THAT is Christmas, people. It's not about the latest video games or computer systems. It's not about getting the latest purse or fashion accessory. It's about love...especially God's love, for a world that doesn't deserve it.
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People have to think of it like I do... the crazy crowds and long lines are a part of the holiday season. It is like the passing of the seasons... traffic and crowds bustling about are a part of the holiday season. If they were not there, I would worry.
True. But I just think it's kinda sad that people are so worried about getting gifts that it comes down to rudeness and being just plain mean. I mean, it's like last year with the Black Friday sales and...what...8 people were injured/killed at Walmart from the rush of people? That's just insanity, all for presents that more often than not mean nothing to the giver, they just want something to give.
I have determined that the holidays for me this year will be very different. I am not going to allow myself to get stressed and not enjoy the holidays. We spent Thanksgiving at the beach and it was very different than usual but tons of fun.By now, I have usually decorated every room in the house. But we are going away and I have decided not to spend my time bringing out tons of Christmas decorations. And guess what....I am still enjoying the holiday...probably more than ever. I even had 13 people over last night and did not even put up one Christmas decoration. And we had a fantastic time! I can't even think of one thing that I want for Christmas. I would like nothing more than to just spend time with my family and friends. The hardest part of this holiday season is realizing that this is not always possible. But I am determined that I will also get through that with a smile on my face. I would really love for everyone to recognize that Jesus is the true reason for the season.
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