Christmas – that word brings to mind remembered smells, tastes and memories of Christmases past. When I remember the Christmas of my childhood, it seemed like it was perfect every time – just the right gifts, all the best Christmas cookies and goodies and a family around a perfectly decorated Christmas tree in a beautifully decorated home.
I remember how we would gather around on Christmas Eve night and my dad would read the Christmas story from Luke. It wasn’t Christmas until Dad read the story! The Christmases of my childhood were centered around the Christmas story – Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. I remember how we always set up a nativity, attended Christmas concerts at church, and went to a Christmas Eve service.
When I married, I found out there were different ways to celebrate Christmas. My husband’s family celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. I was devastated those first Christmases. I just knew I had lost my perfect Christmas Eve. No more Christmas Eve Services and most importantly, I wasn’t there to hear my dad read the Christmas story. It just wasn’t Christmas.
I complained (more like whined) to my mom – “it’s not Christmas!” She sat me down and asked a question – “what is Christmas, is it the decorations, food, and family?” Those questions led me to do a whole lot of examining, thinking and most importantly praying. I realized that I had forgotten the most basic fact of Christmas – God loved us so much that He sent His son – a perfect gift. I hadn’t remembered what Christmas is all about – love.
My childhood Christmas is just a memory. My family Christmas has changed, especially with the addition of my own family. I now read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve. I’m the one that makes sure the nativity gets set out. Christmas is now celebrated with grown children, grandchildren, extended family and friends and even celebrated more than once.
I still struggle sometimes with the desire for a perfect Christmas, but I remind myself to keep Christmas holy and focused on the Christmas story. A wise friend once told me to give myself a gift – the gift of time. I now take time during Advent for myself – early morning with my Bible and God. Reflecting on the perfect gift that was given at Christmas. It helps me to keep Christmas holy and focused on that gift.
Struggling with the feeling of not achieving that perfect Christmas? Try giving yourself the gift of time – take time to sit in a quiet space and spend that time with God, thanking Him for His perfect gift. Sometimes it’s hard to find time, but the rewards are life changing and Christmas changing.
Bev Barnes, Administrative Assistant to the Communications Team
