My Blog: PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS……..
How many times have people asked you “Are you ready for Christmas?
I have been asked that several times and it’s only December 1st today! I am perplexed as to exactly what do people mean “Am I ready?” Does it mean I have all my shopping done? Baking? Decorating?…. But that is not what Christmas means to me so I am never sure how to answer their question.
A few years ago I had a lengthy illness. It was in the fall and one of the vows I made to myself that was if and when I get better, I will always enjoy and celebrate the Christmas Season as well as every other aspect of my life. This is significant because for the last couple of years preceding that illness I had gotten quite stressed with all of the things I expected myself to accomplish leading up to Christmas Day. Instead of being joyful and grateful for the birth of our Savior Christ, I was focused more on completing my to-do list. My to-do list wasn’t even based on what I thought was most important but rather was a reflection of what the TV, newspaper, magazine articles had told me Christmas should be like in my family and my home.
That first Christmas after my illness I was so happy and savored every gathering and every occasion with friends and family. Now four years later I ponder over my preparations for Christmas and I am careful to not get caught up in others expectations of what Christmas should be. The most important thing to me is being united with God in spirit and then living a life that reflects that love for God.
I will put up decorations and I will buy gifts, maybe do some baking…..but not to impress or because I am expected to. I will buy presents out of my love for that person. I will decorate our home with my children in a fun and festive atmosphere with the Christmas music playing. I will bake and cook the turkey anticipating the enjoyment that my family will have savoring the tastes of that meal.
I am determined not to return to the old ways of feeling like Christmas is a burden. If I expect that I will find joy in completing a check list of the things I “need” to do to get ready for Christmas, I know I will return to the old ways and Christmas will again just be another stressful time in my life when I feel insecure because I can’t live up to the expectations of what I think society expects of me as a woman, mother and wife. I am confident that if I cling to the true meaning of the celebrations and focus in sharing in God’s Love for his people, then the celebrations and joy will come out of the heart. My Christmas will be celebrating the gifts that God has blessed me with, my family and friends. For that I am already prepared!
– Elizabeth
