We all know those infamous bumper stickers with a manger scene and the words "Keep Christ in Christmas," but it seems that so few people today follow through on this idea...What can we do to fix this?
As a person who was born and raised a Catholic-Christian, the word Christmas has always meant much more to me than just a time for putting twinkly lights on houses and opening presents on the morning of the 25th. Even as a little kid, I knew Santa was not the most important thing about this holiday. Instead, my parents taught me that the birth of Jesus Christ is the one thing we wait for all December long. That being said, there's nothing wrong with enjoying Christmas lights, baking, gift giving and receiving, and the ever-so-famous ABC Family 25 days of Christmas movie marathons. I love all of these things just as much as the person next to me, but I think a little insight into how to keep Christ in Christmas is important, especially in the midst of the Starbucks cup fiasco where my fellow Christians gave the rest of us a pretty bad name due to their unnecessary reactions towards a simple red coffee cup.
The following suggestions are not only for Christians, but for anyone interested in how to go about the holiday season in a more Christ-like way.
1. Go to church on Christmas Eve
I know you're all shocked I said that one first, but it's honestly the most important. If you haven't gone to church in a while or you've never gone, go! There isn't a more perfect time to go than the night when we celebrate the birth of the savior. Plus Christmas Eve services are lovely with all of the pretty candles and beautiful music. It's the perfect time to enter back into the church, especially if you haven't gone to church consistently, or ever.
2. Volunteer your time
Go serve at a food kitchen or a Women's shelter. Don't do this on Christmas Eve or Day because everyone knows those are the most busy days out of the entire year, but go this month. Give to those who are in need of compassion and care. Jesus teaches us to serve those less fortunate than us - those without homes, without loved ones, and without money. Not only are most of these people poor in the material sense, but they might be poor in spirit and feel they have nothing left to offer God because of their sins. Show them the Lord's compassion and you will truly understand why God sent his only son into our world, as well as brighten their days and give them a sense of hope.
3. See a Handel's Messiah Concert
George Frideric Handel composed a brilliant score of music with Lyrics straight from the bible. For anyone who wants to be brushed up on the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, this is an enjoyable way to do it. Many churches have messiah sing-a-longs and some schools perform them as well. I myself, performed in a Messiah Concert for four consecutive years, and singing the lyrics and comparing them with the stories I hear every year at church gave me a much deeper understanding of the scriptures. Everyone knows the famous Hallelujah Chorus, but in case you don't here's a snipit of a Messiah concert...
4. Celebrate St. Nicholas Day
It's important to note that the origin of Santa Clause is a Saint. The story of Santa Clause originates from this historical Saint who served the needy. His selfless nature inspired the character of Santa Clause. It's sad that so few people know where the jolly man with the white beard actually came from! I'm aware this day has already passed (Dec. 6) but you can always mark your calendar for next year!
5. Stop spending so much $$$
If you're looking for a way to give back this year, maybe don't buy someone a super expensive gift. Instead, buy something else just as nice but a little less expensive and use whatever money you were going to spend by giving it to charity. A lot of churches also have an annual gift giving organization where you can buy a gift for a child whose parents are not bringing in a enough income to buy them a gift. Put a smile on a child's face by giving them a gift instead of spending all of your money on a top-of-the-line gift for someone else.
6. Put your phone down, be present
I know you would all rather post a Facebook status about what Christmas means to you than actually experience the holiday with your family, right? Yeah, didn't think so. On Christmas morning have breakfast with your family and truly be present when you open your gifts. (pun intended, haha!) Don't invite the rest of the world into your home on Christmas morning through snapchat, twitter, or insta. Put the phone down. No one is going to go anywhere.
7. Be kind
While shopping at the mall and driving through the crowded parking lots, remember to be courteous to other people. Apologize if you bump into someone while walking through a crowded store and don't flip the bird at someone for stealing your parking spot, there will be others. Be nice to retail workers, they're just trying to make money so they can go shopping and give their families nice gifts too. Be courteous and don't yell at them if your credit card gets declined - they can't control that. And if you find yourself fighting over the last of an item in a store, let it go. In giving you will receive.
John Cusack gave her the gloves and they ended up falling in love! Yay!
8. Remember those who have lost a loved one
If you know someone who has recently lost a family member or close friend, offer your condolences, make them a home cooked meal, give them a hug, or invite them to join your holiday festivities. A few years ago, one of my best friends lost her mother to cancer and my family invited her to join us for Christmas Eve dinner. It was one of the best ways to show my friend that we were there for her.
9. Turn on the Christmas Music
Not all of the Christmas music on the radio is secular. The bulk of Christmas songs have to do with the coming of Christ. Turn on the radio and truly open your ears. Let the words "O Come o Come Emmanuel" or "The First Noel" or "O Holy Night" affect you. As you sing along with Josh Groban, offer your words to God.
10. After you read the famous book "the Night Before Christmas", open the bible and read the nativity story
The Christmas story about Santa is a classic, but keep in mind, there's another Christmas story just as popular. One of my favorite things to do when I was a kid was set up our home manger scene and then read the story from the bible about everyone following the bright shining star to see "the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."
Follow these suggestions and I assure you that your Christmas will be one to remember. You will be left feeling whole-hearted and at peace. Remember the reason for the season - Happy Holidays!
