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.
It was such a joy to read this post and wish like you that it was a day that could last a season. I feel blessed that I have been able to visit friends and family this year and enjoy the season of goodwill for so much longer than usual. Have a wonderful Christmas together and although like us we may not be together as a family are hearts are together. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJust.This. I share your sentiments and try to hold Christmas in my heart all year. Love this post so much!!! ♥ Happy Friday! xo
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post, Billie Jo. I have really been enjoying yours and Madison's posts. smiles
ReplyDeleteA very Merry Christmas to you.
I am glad you reposted this Billie Jo. A very good reminder. There is a book that was handed down to me from my sweet Granny, who loved Christmas as much as I did. It is a sermon by Peter Marshall, written many years ago (in the 50s I believe) and it speaks to this very thing. I have read it as a devotional to a group of friends each year, just last night at our Life Group cookie swap we hosted here in our home. It is gentle reminder of what truly is important this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas friend. I am thankful for your friendship!
Hi Billie Jo~
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thought! It would be so nice to keep, at least, the feeling of Christmas in our homes and hearts. I love the feeling of, Christmas day, and I do wish I could just bottle it up and carry it around with me. I would sprinkle it on grouchy people, and share it with those who are feeling sad or lonely, yes, it's a wonderful idea!
Merry Christmas, Billie Jo. May the joy and peace of Christmas last throughout the year for you, sweet friend!
Hugs and Love,
Barb
This is such a beautiful reminder. We have had the privilege of being able to take those days off between Christmas and New Year's and savor and enjoy family. Not everyone is so blessed.
ReplyDeleteI think that is why so many folks push the season on the front end- to make it last longer.
You won't find me out on either Black Friday or the day after Christmas searching for bargains. No bargain can compare with being hunkered down and cozied up with my wonderful family.
Your post is a great reminder of that.
I really love what you have written, Billie Jo. Christmas is so much more than the one day. Love came down for us all that day. Let us all remember that every day. ♥
ReplyDeleteBillie Jo, I think Christmas is even more than a season. It is a celebration to be remembered every day (as is Easter!). God loves us and cares for us. Would we always remember that!
ReplyDeleteOh yes!!! I love this so much. <3
ReplyDeleteLove this!!
ReplyDeleteI always love how you make the week in between Christmas and New Years so special, prolonging the magical feeling of Christmas day. <3 Love you
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Way too much hustle and bustle. Then on the 26th the rush to make it all go away. So sad.
ReplyDeleteWhen the kids were little. We made each day special, counting up to the big day and then made it last a bit longer. Our daughter still says, Remember .... it was the little things that mattered most.
Things have changed under our roof, but still have those special memories. You are so right. Make each day special and cozy. Because Family does matter most. Merry Christmas, Janie