December 19, 2016

What If...

Christmas Day is almost here. The most magical time of the year is upon us. The weeks and months of shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, planning and preparing will soon be realized in the celebration of that blessed Christmas Day. As hard as we may try to keep it from passing so quickly, Christmas comes. And like every other day...twenty-four hours later...it goes.

What if we celebrated Christmas as a season, rather than a day? What if we could spend a few days nestled together with our loved ones, without pressure and chaos pulling us back into reality so quickly? What if we didn't have to cram all the joy and blessings of Christmas into one single day? Wishful thinking, I know. But think about it...

We could slow down and be in the moment. We could rest in the knowledge that we have tomorrow to pick up the wrapping paper and sit by the tree with the peace of Christmas Day still in our hearts. We could spend another day playing games and drinking coffee while eating cookies and watching little ones play with new toys. We could also take much needed naps under fluffy new blankets, or even spend the day in freshly laundered new pajamas. We could bundle up and visit aunts and uncles and cousins for another day of Christmas joy.

What if everyone could enjoy a few more days of Christmas without having to run back to work or to the store for after Christmas sales, or worse yet, Valentines Day candy? What if we didn't see discarded Christmas trees on the curb in front of houses on December 26th because people had to clean up before returning to work? What if we didn't experience the inevitable feeling of letdown due to exhaustion and sadness on Christmas night, because this wonderful day we waited for and prepared for all these months was over just like that?

Christmas is bigger than just one day. I fear somehow we lost the meaning of this blessed day in the mix of commercialism, competition, pressure, and technology. What if we looked back, just this once, and learned from the ones who came before? What if we slowed down and stripped Christmas down to what it is really about... The one silent night when the Savior came into the world? What if we all could experience that peace and joy with the ones we love for a few more days before rushing back into the chaos of the world so far removed from that night in a manger so many years ago?

What if Christmas was a season, not just one day? That, my friends, is my Christmas wish. And who knows? Someday my wish may come true. In the meantime, I'll do my best to make Christmas last for my loved ones, nestled here in our country home, for as long as I possibly can.



19 comments:

  1. What if indeed. Christmas is such a cozy warm time together. I am pretty darn glad for that!

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  2. It is the anticipation for the big day that is the problem, I agree. And if the "big day" wasn't made into such a commercialized and expensive event, there wouldn't be that drag or low afterwards. Our Christmas is very simple, without much fanfare, and more of our attention is given to celebrating the Lord's birth, and not what goes on around the tree, or on the table. And in that way, Christmas is a beautiful, special time for us. It is a great thought to ponder, and I think many people are reconsidering the whole concept of Christmas, and I hope that many begin to realize how precious memories of family times, and worshiping the Lord mean more of what Christmas is, than what is under the tree, or on the table. Hugs to you today!

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  3. I love this post. Just like Ebeneezer Scrooge said, "I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year." Wonderful thoughts! Merry Christmas to you all!

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  4. I love your thoughts, Billie Jo! Christmas is not just one day. Enjoy this beautiful season with your family. ♥

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  5. Beautiful thoughts, Billie Jo...smiles.

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  6. so so so so beautiful... at work today the chatter had already started about 'when do you take it all down?"

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  7. I could not sing "Amen" to this lovely post loud enough Billie Jo! Beautifully stated dear Friend! Merry Christmas season to you and your people. xoxo

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  8. Such a beautiful post and so true! I wish it would last so much longer, I always have mixed emotions the closer it gets. It just makes me sad that it is all over after one day. Merry Christmas to you!

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  9. Love this and thinking like this takes so much pressure of! We do too much preparation to have it all over in a day anyways!

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  10. How lovely is this post? While reading it I felt all the sparkle and magical, inner stillness that is the essence of Christmas.
    I couldn't agree more, we should savor the Saviour for longer!
    I'm glad there are people like you, Billie Jo, who will always keep the spirit of the real Christmas going. Thank you! ~ and have the most wonderful time.

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  11. We have always done just this exactly! Christmas is a season in our family, always has been since I was a kid. We still celebrate through the new year as well and we don't take anything down or put up anything until mid January. Love this post, we feel the same! Merry Christmas season my friend!

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  12. Lovely post, Billie Joe! Enjoy Christmas as long as you can!

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  13. Love the Ebenezer Scrooge comment that someone else left!!

    You keep Christmas for as long as you want! And I thank you for the post, for spreading the love and meaning. You are spot on. (Christmas is a season-long event that the Church celebrates).

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  14. Thank you for your beautiful Christmas card and thinking of me! Feeling the love!

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  15. So true! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy New year!!

    blessings,
    Jill

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  16. What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful Christmas with your sweet family!

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  17. Oh I love that Billie Jo.....my thoughts exactly! I already told my parents and brother I will pick them up early this year since they no longer drive due to health reasons so we can enjoy the whole day together. I wish they would just spend the night. LOL.....We ALL want to remember the true meaning of Christmas then Santa........;)

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo