If you're on social media at all, whether it be Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, whatever, you've probably seen the picture that says something like, "It's 5 days till Christmas and I've never felt less Christmassy." You've also probably seen whoever shared it saying something like, "same" or "relatable". And then when you look down at the amount of re-tweets, shares, or comments, the number is outstanding. Somewhere in the hundred thousands. So for those of you that saw this picture, shared it, or can relate to it. Here's the problem. And the cure.
Why do you think you feel the least Christmassy you've ever felt? Is it because you spent half the month stressed and worried about finals? Is it because the rows of houses lit up with Christmas lights doesn't impress you anymore? Is it because you're only 3 days into the break with your family and you're already ready to return to college? Is it because you're broke and giving is no longer "fun" for you, instead you'd be happier to receive some money, sleep, free books and tuition? If you're able to go through that list I just typed out and say, "yep" to every single one of those, then there's the problem. Stress, disappointment, annoyance, and selfishness have taken over what should be the most joyful time of the year. The good news is, the power to change that is in your hands.
Think back to when you felt the MOST Christmassy; you were probably like 6 and school didn't bother you, even if you were in school till December 15th instead of December 8th like most college students. And when you walked down the street at night with your family, you were fascinated by every new house you came across and their lights and decorations. When school was finally out, you couldn't wait to spend your days at home surrounded by your parents and siblings, playing games and making cookies. And when you went shopping with your mom and insisted you purchase a present for your little sister, you picked out a rubber ball and pulled out the only money you had, 25 cents. Instead of stress, disappointment, annoyance, and selfishness, your Christmas season was filled with excitement, wonder, enthusiasm towards family, and a huge amount of thoughtfulness and giving.
After just a year of college and only having to worry and take care of ourselves, we've become so selfish and unamused. But we can change that. It's all in our attitude and view of life. We can arrive home grateful for the family we still have and put the stress of finals behind us, we already overcame them, what's more to worry about? We can walk through the neighborhood with friends and still see the beauty in the Christmas lights and remember how much love we had for them as children. We can still give without feeling broke and stressed about finances. Give in your time and thoughtfulness instead.
The Christmas season was never meant to be self serving. God literally gave us, the world, His ONLY son out of the kindness of His heart. That's the only reason we have Christmas and are able to celebrate it; because someone gave. Imagine knocking on Decembers door and it opening and giving you all the joy in the world every time it came around. Sure that'd be nice. To automatically be filled with holiday cheer when Dec. 1st comes around. But that's not how it works. True Christmas joy is only attained in appreciation, giving, and wonder towards the beauty Christ surrounds us with in our family, decoration, effort, and sometimes, if we're lucky...snow.
So stop complaining about being the "least Christmassy ever". It's in your hands. Do something about it. You're the only one stopping yourself from being filled with that Christmas joy you knew as a young kid and so desperately yearn for. Go be filled with wonder. Go give.
