“He did hear a sound out over the snow. It started in slow and then started to grow. This sound wasn’t sad. The sound sounded glad. Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, was singing without any presents at all.
He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming.
It came. Somehow or other it came just the same.
It came without ribbons.
It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.”
(Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
As a child I anticipated Christmas Day, looking forward to a day filled with unending wonder. We traveled to the grandparents after opening our gifts and I played with my cousins and our new toys. The day itself held a special magic and as a child I felt that Christmas would never come. However as an adult, Christmas Day comes all too quickly.
I want to do it all. deck the halls, bake cookies, put up lights, buy gifts, attend special shows and concerts…all while trying to keep the regular stuff in my life from spinning out of control. I have a list of gifts, people, parties, and responsibilities. And while I want to do it all, instead of a celebration, Christmas can become a burden.
Christmas Day is coming, but the Christmas Season is already here. I don’t want to focus on the day itself and miss celebrating the event. I don’t want to be so busy that I sit down on December 26 and ask, “What happened to Christmas?”
What is the secret for experiencing the joy this season?
If I’m too busy getting things done that I can’t stop to speak with a friend, I’m missing the joy.
If I’m running late and I swear at the little old lady who cut me off, I’m missing the joy.
If I’m stressed to the max because I over committed and take it out on my family, I’m missing the joy.
This year, I am determined to enjoy the process. I am going to choose the extras that bring pleasure to family, friends, and myself…and leave the other undone.
Instead of moaning and complaining when interruptions or complications arise, I’ll try to find the joy in it. And perhaps the joy will start slow, but it will start to grow.
Christmas is coming. Christ already came. Let’s enjoy the gift that God has given to us.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
TRICIA LATHROP 