Take time to enjoy
What ever happened to Christmas after Thanksgiving? I remember growing up that you would not see any Christmas items out until the day after Thanksgiving. It was a time of the year that I always looked forward to, the air was cooler, school was out at least for a little while, families were together and the first signs of Christmas would be on the radio and on the store shelves.
Today, however, things are different. Now we see Santa and a ghost displayed at the same time in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Stores are pulling out the Christmas trees along with the Jack-o-lanterns I guess in order not to miss a single day of Christmas sales. But, to me there is something very much wrong with all this rush to celebrate one of the greatest days of the year. Seeing the Christmas decorations out so early causes them to loose a little of their awe and wonder that they held so much for me. Seeing everything so early makes the Christmas spirit wear off a little earlier than it used to…and I feel robbed of savoring the joy that is Christmas.
It is so easy in our hustle-bustle lives to forget to enjoy the Christmas season. We are in such a hurry to get to the big sale…to be the first to send out our Christmas cards…to be the first house on the block to adorn our home with lights and garland….and sometimes we get so busy being busy that we don’t stop and live in the moment. And in our hurry, we can miss the joy of Christmas.
This year, as the carols are playing and life seems so crazy I encourage all of us to stop…take time to enjoy the season. Take time to listen to the words of your favorite song. Take time to reflect upon the memories held by each ornament you place on your tree. Take time to visit with family and friends during this most important season. And, most of all, open your heart to welcome the Christ child into your life. And make the child make your life one filled with love, laughter and most of all, joy.
Carol McKay
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