It's December, and we all know what that means: Christmas. Everyone has cheerfully decorated their house for the long-awaited day of December 25th, and the holiday spirit is evident throughout the town and the perpetual Christmas music on every radio station. What we sometimes get wrapped up in (pun intended), though, are the presents. It's easy to become obsessed with creating the perfect Christmas wish list, and putting our happiness in whether or not we get what we want. This is something I find myself getting caught up in during the holiday season, so I wanted to remind everyone that Santa is not the reason for the season.
1. Jesus
As the saying goes, "Jesus is the reason for the season." As cliché as that is, it could not be more true. I mean, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus- it is Jesus who was born in that manger many years ago on December 25th, not Santa, so why do we often put so much more focus on him than we do Christ? Jesus came to earth as less than he deserved to be, all so he could die for our sins, which is more than we deserve. He loves us just because we're us. I think so many times we get so overwhelmed with everything under the tree that we forget to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
2. Quality family time
During the Christmas season, it's inevitable that you are going to be with your family a big chunk of the time, and you might go a little stir-crazy. However, your family loves having you home for Christmas; I mean, as a busy college student, a month of Christmas break is probably the longest you'll be home at one time. So, enjoy that time with your family. Help your mom wrap presents. Play a board game with your siblings. Spend a little time just watching TV with your dad (which, if he's anything like my dad, means watching TV while he takes a nap). Don't take for granted the constant presence of your family, because you'll find that is when you'll make some of your favorite memories.
3. Kindness
For many people, Christmas is the best time of the year: Friends, family, good food, good music. Though for others it is the most lonely time, if they have no family to spend it with or are falling on hard times. This is the time to perform intentional acts of kindness; make it a point to do something kind as often as you can, and most importantly, do it with love. Do something considerate for others that you receive no credit or benefit from. That is what the holidays are truly about.
Merry Christmas everyone, and be mindful about what's really important this holiday season.
