Overheard at a storefront in the US displaying the nativity scene: “Now they’re even trying to bring religion into it!” Duh?!
How strange that people would think that Christmas is one giant party and yet miss what the celebration is all about.
Yvonne Chiarelli says, “Our lives are busy all year long. How do we fit those things that we do once a year in an already overcrowded schedule? How do we fit in more time for shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, planning, partying, and traveling? It’s no wonder the holidays bring additional stress to many.”
She’s right. Of the people I know, I’m sure only a few would take time this holiday season to be still and be thankful for the season. And many would spend the days worrying about what our economy will be like in the year ahead.
Many business people are saddled with cash flow problems.
Uncertainty looms over the air.
Mergers and acquisitions will displace many people in their current positions. Low sales, a weak economy and little purchasing power will force companies to continue with their personnel liposuction activities.
But listen: take time out! Devise a strategy so that you won’t be spending the holidays in woes and sorrows, and you won’t miss the true spirit of the occasion.
Enjoy the holiday season by saying no to:
• meetings that aren’t holiday celebrations;
• requests that could be done after the holidays;
• routines that don’t add to or support your holiday experience;
• the non-essentials;
• the season’s aspects that don’t appeal to you;
• inappropriate and unreasonable expectations.
And enjoy the holidays some more by saying yes to:
• gratitude;
• allowing others their desired holiday experience;
• taking care of yourself;
• wider boundaries and higher standards;
• the parts of the season you enjoy the best;
• giving thoughtfully and accepting gifts with grace;
• expressing your best to others;
• forgiveness;
• fun!
Handcraft the holiday experience of your choice.
Here is a success formula for enjoying the holidays: Let go of what’s not absolutely necessary. Do holiday activities with your family, friends, and colleagues. Smile and laugh a lot. And best of all, understand what Christmas is really about.
Let me present it to you with words from a Christmas card:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Notice this: as a child, He was born of a virgin: as a son, He was given.
The manger gave way to the cross many years later, when He gave His life for us so that we may be saved.
And this is why the real meaning of Christmas is that the Savior has come, but the real meaning of Christianity is not the manger but the empty tomb.
No, it’s not about the gifts and the parties. It’s not even about cash flow. It’s not about stocks inventory, and it’s not about our failing economy. It’s all about accepting the Prince of Peace and allowing Him to reign in our hearts so that we may spend the rest of eternity with Him.
Then, and only then, do we truly enjoy Christmas.
(You can now receive daily inspirational quotes and thoughts from me. Text “Inspire” to 288 for Smart or Sun subscribers, and 2889 for Globe subscribers. Or visit facebook.com/franciskong 2 for more details.)