I don’t know about you, but at the start of a new year, I’m usually pretty shell shocked from the end of the previous.
Last week, the phrase I heard repeated most often was “It’s too early for Christmas music. It’s not even Halloween yet!”
I’m guessing the next few weeks will be filled with exclamations of “It’s too early for Christmas music. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”
I totally agree. Take these holidays as they come. Don’t jump the gun. We’re busy enough as it is. We don’t have time to juggle multiple holidays at once.
On the other hand, this time of year seems so filled with holidays. One after another and before we know it they’ve all come and gone. Halloween, thanksgiving, advent, Christmas, new years day. It makes sense to prepare in advance.
Time… act now while supplies last
The mall would have this preparation take place in the form of early shopping. Radio stations are researching to see what blend and timing of Christmas music will bring the most listeners. Hallmark is stuffing cards full of Christmas rhymes and stale sentiments.
As a Christian, I often find myself dismayed by how easily I get caught up in it all. It feels good to buy things for those I love. It’s fun to sing cheesy Christmas songs and it’s fun to see others doing the same. But by the time Christmas day arrives, I’ve all but forgotten the reason Christians celebrate the holiday:
Jesus Christ. Emanuel. God with us.
The reason for the season
I came across a website the other day that is promoting a preparation of a different kind. Now, it’s geared towards Christians, but I don’t think you need to be “religious” for it to resonate with you.
How are you preparing for Christmas this year? Are you doing anything different? Connecting with your family in special ways?
Some of my traditions have grown stale. Lost their meaning. If you have some creative suggestions for new ones I could start with my family, I’d love to hear them in your comments.
Please feel free to...
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7 comments on "Preparing for the Holidays"
1
I came from a large family that was also very poor. Christmas was the only time of year we ever got anything new or fun. It’s that child-like spirit that still has me longing for Christmas to come early today. It’s not the gifts, shopping or food I like, it’s the spirit. Everyone is a little kinder, a little nicer and a little more patient with one another. I wish that part of Christmas would last all year long.
2
Me too! I feel like we don’t get as much snow in my area as we used to, but I remember what a special feeling it was… the combination of that spirit of Christmas and a thick snow that would cause everyone to slow down and air would be crisp and quiet.
I’m looking forward to finding ways to cultivate that same “magic” for my daughter.
-Mike
3
Mike-
Thank you for posting about this. I’ve heard of similar sites like this, but the video is what really caught my attention. I am now inspired to spend this Christmas giving more back than just buying more useless gifts. I love their website too, that and www.rethinkingchristmas.com
Thanks again.
4
That video is what really grabbed me too.
There are some great resources out there to help folks like me get out of that consumer Christmas rut.
I get Relevant Magazine and they had a great section on “Conscientious Christmas Gifts” this month.
-Mike
5
thanks for the follow! very cool looking blog.
6
You bet, John!
You’ve got some great stuff going on at human3rror.com!
Thanks for stopping by.
-Mike
7
My mom sent me some great links with ways to give the gift of time with your family:
cafetraditions
ivillage
new-life.net