I think we all tend to take the holidays for granted sometimes. Sometimes I think that we truly miss the true meaning of why we have these celebrations in the first place.
For me this began a few years ago. Even with children, I just felt as though the holidays were such a selfish time of year. A time that people wanted to use as a chance to get the gifts that they have wanted; and a reason to complain about the friends and family that we really do not want to be around. Trust me; we all have at least one in our lives.
Last year was different though. With my husband being deployed the holidays were up to me to make sure that the children were not affected too much by his absence. We were blessed enough to have my parents for Thanksgiving, but Christmas was to be spent as just a family.
One of the biggest lessons that I took away from spending this past year a world apart from my husband, is that we truly got away from the real meaning. It is, anyways Christ's birthday right? That was the problem that I had found myself in, although I made it clear that this was a celebration of his life, my children had no idea who 'he' was. And what his word was truly about.
It is difficult with children of such young ages, and mine had never really been involved in a church setting long enough to really get it. So, it was my goal to make sure that they truly understood. I started by decorating the house in a festive, and inviting way. I then expressed over and over what Christmas really stood for. Part of understanding the celebration part was also understanding that although they receive gifts from Santa, that there are still children that are not so fortunate. So taking the understanding of the meaning of Christmas, my next goal was to instill in my children that Christ wants us to be kind and thoughtful of those around us.
My children have been taught that if they want Santa to bless them with gifts this special time of year, we must thank Christ in a way of helping others. They are to donate toys that they are no longer using, and some that just make too much noise. (They need new homes also.) This also includes their old clothes and winter apparel. They are to give away with the understanding that some families are not as lucky as ours. And we should be thankful for all that we have.
In the name of Christ’s birth we should help to bless others also. I hope that my children understand that with the many celebrations that they are present for, and the many gifts that they are surprised by on Christmas morning that they have helped do their part to help bless others.
This year though, I feel as though we have been blessed in so many more ways. My husband has returned safely and will be with us to celebrate this very special day. We were whole this year when my children donated boxes of toys to families that needed them. And we will be whole to celebrate a new year, knowing that he is home to stay for a while.
Let us not forget the true meaning of this wonderful time of year. Let us not forget that although we may not enjoy some of the extra things that come with it, we are alive and are blessed enough to have family and friends around to spend time with. Let us not forget that some will be one parent short this year. Let us not forget that some will spend this special day as the first without and spouse and/or parent for the rest of their lives. Let us not forget to be kind to those around us, even if we feel as though they may not truly deserve it. Let us not forget the true meaning of this time of year, and carry in his name the kindness that he would hope upon us all.
Lastly have a very Merry Christmas. And for those of you who do not celebrate this special time of year, have a wonderful and safe holiday season, for it is a great time to show your appreciation for others around you.
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