Merry Christmas
Wrap it up in sentiment or slap it with a bow, whatever surprise is buried beneath the tree it is time it took a back seat. The festivities, the cookies, the lights, the decor, the parties and gift giving, the rushing and hoping for a perfectly wonderful holiday can invoke as much stress as merriment. That does not even touch the joy felt on the January credit card statement. But it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Why? Christmas is a religious holiday. I relish this not only for my faith, but for tradition. Every person has the power to pass onto their children and grandchildren something lasting.
We move through the entire year, sometimes our entire lives, looking for happiness. We buy something that will make our lives better, we book a needed vacation to renew ourselves, we surround ourselves in our work, and maybe we keep searching….keep wanting….and waiting. There is nothing wrong with the wanting. Hope creates a better tomorrow, expectation can be derived from action, and after all, it is our lives. We only get to do this once. But once in a while, stop.
To me, Christmas provides the perfect opportunity to reflect and enjoy my blessings. Our Christmas eve service ends with a candle lit singing of Silent Night. I have never missed a Christmas eve staring into the bright glow of a little wax candle and the feeling of enormous love and comfort that it provides has never been missed on me. My grossmutti would sing into her flame the lyrics in German with tears in her eyes. My grandmother would close her eyes. My mother would gaze from her candle to her five daughters and my father would place his arm around my mother’s back. For one moment, Christmas was completely about the baby and the extraordinary gift he gave us. And last night, my own three year old son, sat quietly holding his candle and humming along. His bright blue eyes glowing while mine drip in tears. For one moment, I do not have to hope for peace, I can enjoy it.
Merry Christmas
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