Whether we like it or not, it's that time of year again. Shoppers everywhere, vying for the best price, the latest gadget or the perfect gift for a loved one. Travel plans are made, children begin to get over excited. Parents pull out the, "Don't make me call Santa and tell him you are not behaving" card. The mall parking lots are overflowing, traffic can be a nightmare for those who have to travel a ways to get to a mall or shopping center.
But, we endure it, some even dare I say it...enjoy it!! (I am not one of those kinds of shoppers) lol
As for me, this year I am in a new era in my life. Not only with my recent marriage, but a new time in the lives of our kids. Shelby turning 18 (4 short days after Christmas), Ryan in that "Tween" stage where he isn't really sure what he is wanting to believe. Despite the stories to the contrary from his friends that, "there is no Santa Claus". To our little Elizabeth, 8 yrs old and not really vocalizing much about Santa this year. I am not sure how to take this revelation. Do I ask her?? Do I just assume she does ?? *we all know what happens when we do that though right? LOL * Either way, Christmas "Feels" different this year. As if the winds of change and growing up has just blown in like a hurricane onto the mainland. My babies are growing up. I am indeed curious how Christmas will evolve and change as they become older and more "mature".
Now, I know some of you reading this might say...."Melissa, Jesus is the reason for this season, so why are you blogging about Santa Claus?" Well I think that is where the change comes in.
Being a child we are taught about the birth of Christ, and how it affects life as we know it. But we are also taught about a wonderful mythical character who brings good boys and girls gifts while they sleep. The story is magical and being a parent, to see that kind of awe in my children's eyes as they awaken to find that indeed Santa did bring them something that they had longed for is just heart warming and fun.
I am a Christian, and I stress the importance at home all year long of Goodwill toward men, Peace on Earth and the fact that the tiny baby brought into this world by a Virgin mother in a manger so far away, is My Savior. Sure, I agree there isn't much attention paid to the birth of Jesus Christ in the media etc. But, we also must remember that each person has their own beliefs. We don't want to have their Gods, Idols, customs and traditions waved in our faces and forced down our throats either.
So now that I have rambled on and on......what exactly is my point??
BALANCE.... I believe there is room for spiritual celebration and non-spiritual celebration in our lives. Let us rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ!! Also, let us look at Christmas through the eyes of a child, who places his/her head on their pillow on December 24th, hoping and praying that a jolly old elf named "Santa Claus" will come and visit and leave them something special that they have longed for.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and most of all remember that life is too short, and we must make memories and live life to the fullest each and every day of the year. Forgive, remember, enjoy and most of all LOVE one another.
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I Corinthians 13:4-7
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