Christmas is upon us, and after you read this, you’ll likely be wrapping gifts, mailing and receiving cards, and making plans for your Christmas feast. I’m grateful to be part of a community where Christ remains the center of all the festivities.
Meanwhile, the news is filled with reports of “record-breaking” spending, “record-breaking” crowds, “record-breaking” online shopping, and on and on. And yet, we see reports about concerns over prices.
Is there no year we don’t supposedly experience “record-breaking” shopping or “record-breaking” travel on the roads and in the sky?
When I watch stranded travelers being interviewed on TV and view photos of a tsunami of humanity rushing to buy goodies, I’m always glad I’m not in the middle of the mess.
This doesn’t mean I don’t buy any gifts or celebrate holidays, on the specified days, with people I love. I do. I just set boundaries and limit my activities and celebrations to what I love to do and entertain people I want to be with. Another de-stressor I’ve employed is to schedule some parts of the celebration for different times of the year. After all, we are Christians all year, not just on Christmas and Easter.
These changes have helped me relish each moment of the celebration. I feel as though I have not a care in the world. My wish for you is the same.
May the Lord grant you peace throughout the Christmas season and beyond.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and to all. I pray for a safe, uneventful Christmas and New Year’s Holiday for all and a peace-filled 2026.
I love that you spread out Jesus celebrations throughout the year! I’m going to think about what I can do with that idea.
What I’m seeing in my friends (and experiencing myself) is deep sadness without knowing why. I usually look forward to putting up our tree and some decorations. I love planning what goodies I’m going to make and bake. I start my gift list for others in November.
I finally put the tree yesterday. Gotta get going on the other things.
But it’s all okay. I’m leaning into “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices” this year, and I’m using Habakkuk 3:17-19 as my focus Scripture. It’s all about the joy of hope, right?
Merry, blessed Christmas!
‘Twas late Christmas Eve
and all through the house
GoldieCat’s hurtling,
chasing a mouse.
She startles the Pitbull
asleep in his bed
when in chase joyful
steps on his head,
then into the dunny
as quick as a flash,
and it’s almost funny
as bath supplies crash.
Got it at last, a great victory
as she knocks over the gay Christmas tree.