Christmas is a beautiful time with lights and decorations, hopes and dreams of children, and wishes of miracles for many families. Many times we get caught up in shopping and buying and forget the true meaning of Christmas. Regardless of religious reasons, Christmas is a time to spend with family and enjoy the season. Stores are closed and people sit down when they normally work late and get up early. In my short 21 Christmases, I have learned one thing about the great holiday- spending Christmas in a small town is much better.
In a big city, traffic is impassable. People are trying to go everywhere and get presents for everyone and anyone that gets in their way will be flipped off, honked at, or cut off. In the hustle and bustle of finishing Christmas errands, many people completely lose the spirit of Christmas and adopt a more rude outside. We've all experienced it. That one person who procrastinated on his shopping too long and it now the retail workers fault. Oh, you're out of the sale item? Why haven't you got more in? You are obviously not keeping up with inventory. They complain and moan as if it is all your fault she waited until Christmas eve to do her shopping. Traffic is a nightmare in a city. Everyone is in a hurry and seems to forget basic traffic laws. Mall parking lots are the worst. Pedestrians better watch out because those shoppers have places to go and presents to buy and you are in their way. The strong sense of hurry in a city takes away from the magic of the season. What happens to Christmas when you take away the rush and hurry?
Being from a small town, I have always enjoyed a "rush-free" Christmas. Even though all the roads are two-lane, there is never any backed up traffic to worry about. Instead of worrying about how fast to go, and how behind someone is on shopping, people have a more simple mindset. They go out and cut a tree from their backyard for decorating. They shop online for presents and enjoy the rest of the time with their family and friends. Grandpas and Grandmas are never forgotten, and the family spends a long time with them. Who would pass up grandma's Christmas goodies?
Mistletoe is a must for Christmas decorations. In a city you have to find a store that sells it, pay the jacked up price, and try to keep it alive for a week. In a small town in the country, you can find it in the woods behind your house and shoot it down. It is fresh cut and lasts much longer. The best part is its free. On Christmas day, life goes a little bit slower in the country. No stores nearby and very few people traveling. The spirit of the holiday is kept alive. Family comes first. Even though the meals need to be prepared and presents wrapped, everyone is happy to see another Christmas. It is not a guarantee, it is a blessing -- a Christmas blessing. A small town keeps the spirit alive and embraces the beauty of the holiday. Christmas is a time to slow down and enjoy. Let's not get caught up in the rushing too much to enjoy the beautiful holiday we are blessed to see once again. Go see that aunt that spends Christmas alone. Give your brother a hug even though you haven't spoken in years. Embrace the magic, and enjoy this holiday at a little slower pace.
