Christmas has encroached upon our mundane yet overloaded lives once again. This season is one that affects people in different ways. It is an emotional time of year filled with memories, hopes, dreams and tears.
The meaning of Christmas and the magic surrounding it changes throughout our lives. As children, we have the proverbial visions of sugar plums keeping us awake half the night on Christmas Eve. This is an unfortunate occurrence for our parents who wind up burning the candle at both ends while building bikes and toys. The magic resides at the North Pole and in the cleverness of our parents.
As we get a little older, we learn that giving can be as much fun as receiving. We also realize that the holidays are about family and not about a man in a red suit. Parents also learn how to open a gift and appear joyful even when they have no idea what the homemade gift is. We all know the thought really does count and so does the effort.
As kids we may be oblivious to certain parts of the Christmas holiday. We just don’t see how a grandparent can be so sad when there are presents to be opened. It can also be difficult to understand why our parents are tired and grouchy, too.
Life changes in so many ways when you start your own family. I believe it is at this point that Christmas becomes a lap counter in our lives. It is no longer just a day or a season. We begin to see our mortality as our children grow. We begin to realize that this very year may be the last Christmas that we share with a certain grandparent.
Seeing Christmas as a check point in life can be positive or negative depending on your outlook. If it causes you to appreciate the day more, it is a blessing. If you live in the past and dread aging, the season will haunt you.
Losing grandparents is tough. Sharing a last Christmas with your parents before they pass away or with your kids before they move out can be debilitating. We grow up with such an emphasis on the magic of Christmas and the importance of family that we can’t bear change. The problem is life is ever changing.
As we age further, we may face Christmas time without our spouse or family. The memories that once comforted us may now cause us pain.
There is no simple formula to navigating the holidays. It is important to note that magic is only one part of the holiday. Family and the love that comes with being together is another part of the season. Christmas isn’t about getting from one year to the next or opening gifts. It’s about celebrating life, love, and family.
If love and family isn’t enough, look to the true meaning of Christmas. Christians celebrate our faith in the birth of Christ on Christmas. The holiday is all about faith.
If you are struggling, search for faith. Whether that means faith in God, faith in yourself or faith in your fellow human being, look for what is missing in your life. Christmas miracles are a real thing. This is the right time to search.
Life is about living in the moment. Regardless of what your Christmas has in store for you, do your best to enjoy it without thinking about how old you’ll be next year or who may not be around. Celebrate in tribute to those who aren’t with you any longer. Enjoy the visit from your grown children. Try to appreciate the small things that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Treasure the memories, but don’t ever stop making new ones. Merry Christmas, everyone!
