Every year around this time I hear people say: “I wish I could have gotten more for the kids,” or “I wish I had more time to shop,” and sometimes “We just had to cut back this year, it’s going to be a smaller Christmas.”
Sometimes I think Linus had it right when he said in A Charlie Brown Christmas, “Christmas is not only getting too commercial, it’s getting too dangerous.” As we near the big day, I don’t think we should be worrying about what we bought, or what we’re getting.
Maybe we should think about what we’d do if Santa got stuck in the chimney and never made it down with any gifts at all. Sometimes that happens, and there are plenty of families who experience difficult times all year, not just on Christmas.
If you want to save Christmas from all the commercialization and hustle that sometimes doesn’t really do anything except leave you exhausted and depressed, then here are my three suggestions:
1. Remember that people will quickly forget what you got them, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Take the time to sit down, have honest intimate conversations, and tell the people that you care about how you really feel. Tell them that you love them. Compliment them on who they are, and how they’ve made your life better.
2. Don’t rush around too much. Do your best to leave a little earlier, and enjoy the scenery.
If you have to travel to the homes of family and friends this Christmas, take your time and relax. If you get to leave early or on time, great. If not, it’s ok. You getting there a few minutes late doesn’t have to ruin anything. Just remember to enjoy each moment you get to spend with your family. Even if they are annoying you sometimes, or all the time, it’s worth remembering that you can choose to be thankful that you have someone at all. Remember that some people don’t have anyone else left to celebrate Christmas with and you do. Be thankful.
3. Make a gift or write a letter.
With all the glitz and glamour of Christmas ,we sometimes forget that small handmade gifts, or a nice card or letter, will mean just as much. For many years now my siblings and I (I have an older sister and five younger brothers), have gotten together and exchanged handmade gifts with each other and shared a meal.
It’s a lot simpler than trying to buy for everyone, and I feel like we get to really enjoy each other’s company and experience the true meaning of Christmas.
So this year, if Santa gets stuck in the chimney, or if somehow one of your gifts fell out of the back of the sleigh when Rudolph jerked up into the sky, or if you didn’t get exactly what you wanted, remember to cherish your family, make good memories, and bring as much love and joy as you can to this Christmas season. You’ll be glad you did.
