I've been hearing a lot lately about how awful it is to rush the Christmas season - all the stores are starting to put out their Christmas trees and merchandise, Christmas music is playing, and some of the big box stores already have reduced their Christmas items. I mean, we even skip right over Thanksgiving - how terrible is that? Truly, Christmas has become a very commercial season; however, just like anything else in life, there are two ways of observing and reacting.
To me, the true spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving can last all year long! Every day we can be thinking about all the blessings we have and say to ourselves and to others how thankful we are. We can just look around and find the simplest things to be thankful for - the beautiful, colorful Fall leaves, the sunshine, our families, our health, our friends - all these things that God has given us. We take the time to look back at family celebrations from the past and remember those who are no longer with us and all the fun times we had together. And we look forward to our family and friend gatherings this year! Oh, so much to be thankful for in our lives!
When we see the Christmas trees and lights and ornaments already up in the stores, instead of reacting to the negativity of commercialism, we could instead be reminded of all the good that there still is in the world. Remember the birth of our saviour, Jesus, and the star shining on the world the night He was born. When we look at all the sparkling lights and ornaments, we can think of friends and family with love and start to plan on something special that we can buy or do for them during the Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to remember and love each other.
When I decorate my trees, whether it be at home, or in my antique store, I think about the beautiful nativities and music boxes, angels and ornaments, and who gave them to me, or whose home they will bless. When shopping for Christmas (and we all do), let's try to take our time, take a step back to a quieter, simpler time, and reflect on each gift as a gift of love for the person we are buying for. It's OK for Christmas to be commercial in a way - it gives us a special way to show our love for each other, and to remember the birth of Jesus and just how much his presence means in our lives.
Oh, I could go on and on about Christmas and Thanksgiving Past and Present! Reflect on your blessings - and shop for Christmas gifts with joy in your heart this season! No "Bah Humbug" allowed inside Memories Past and Present!
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