I dreaded Christmas for years. I did not like anything about Christmas. Not the decorations, not the gift buying, not the gift receiving (seemed hollow and forced) not the gatherings, not the preparations, not the music, not the outdoor lights...NOTHING. Christmas meant stress, fights, drunkenness, extra work that went unappreciated (yeah I know, poor me), unhappiness at every turn. Difficult for my kids too. I would have loved to run away for the "holiday season". It sucked so bad a couple of months before and probably a month after. What a waste of time. Why bother?
Time passed and healing occurred. I found myself enjoying the outdoor lights once again. It came softly and I let it in. Another Christmas I delighted in the decorations when I was in a mall. Hmmm..what's going on? Not sure, but I liked it. I could tolerate Christmas music in small doses. Slowly I have opened up to the idea of actually, gulp, liking Christmas. I am not crazy about it, but I now anticipate the season with joy and participate enthusiastically and lovingly rather than out of obligation. I am so grateful for this change and wish you all the absolute best Christmas ever!
As you take two minutes to consider peace for our world today, think about your feelings around Christmas.
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