I am sitting here wondering if I have turned into “Bah Humbug”. I have decided, this year, to have a good look at the way we “do Christmas” in our family, and instead of ignoring the inner voice that has plagued me over recent years, I have put all my traditions, motivations and thoughts on the table, so to speak and am addressing them full on with no excuses…they have to justify the reason for their continued existence. The reason for this, I am seeking to find ways where Christmas can be celebrated in a way that is honouring to God, where I don’t spend hours trawling shops for stuff, and find myself struggling to stop getting caught up in the materialistic frenzy that the season attracts. Don’t get me wrong, I want to buy presents for my family and friends but I just want to keep it at a meaningful level and a leisurely, enjoyable pace!
I have just returned from my first short Christmas shopping trip and to be honest I feel as if I would rather be sitting by a log fire on some remote Scottish Island watching the rhythm of the day and enjoy being with a few good friends, until all the hype and glitz has gone. What is happening to me? I crave simplicity, family, and the company of friends, conversation, and peace, meals around a table, laughter and acceptance. I don’t want stress, but just venturing out this morning made me aware that the pressure is on and very much out there.
My hope is that we have an authentic Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ, that we look around and include those who find themselves away from family, but make this a lifestyle not just an act at Christmas. That we make time to enjoy being with one other, that we take time to listen and reflect.
There, I feel better already...
