A Different Kind of Christmas
Christmas is different when you get older. No more Santa to anticipate. I guess I'm having a hard time adjusting. Opening gifts becomes somewhat familiar. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is still special, it's just special in a different way. It's a time with family instead of a mound of gifts. It's the smiles of cousins when their faces light up instead of a toy making a noise. Toddlers laughing and running around is replaced by jokes and countless pictures.
Grandmothers getting out the video camera is replaced by a favorite TV show. Change isn't a bad thing, it just takes a little getting used to. Mama said that this feeling is normal. She said things would change when I have my own kids. I'm laughing to myself just thinking about that one. Oh, the fun times ahead.
I got lots of fun gifts. I may post pictures soon. I'm incredibly blessed. I guess I'm just mourning what Christmas used to mean. But, instead of that, I should be embracing the new Christmas. I have to say I was elated watching my cousins find pleasure in opening their gifts from me. I love to give things to others. I love picking out just the right gift for my cousins and family.
I know one thing that will never ever change. God's love and sacrifice will be forever etched in my memory. He gave the ultimate gift, not some $20 cookie cutter gift from Wal-M@rt. He, too, took great care and thought in his gift. He didn't make a hasty decision or expect anything in return. As today's society rushes around standing in long lines to find a gift, phones constantly buzzing. That buzz can overshadow Christmas if we let it. That buzz symbolizes a barrier between the meaningful things and the things that couldn't matter less if we really stop and think about it. That business call that could wait until Saturday. That pesky telemarketer...
So, how has Christmas changed for you over the years?
Comments
It is so not about what we can give or receive, but the birth of someone who is far more magnificent than we are, even though we are created in His imagine. The debt He paid we can never repay.
If you have been reading my blog recently, this will come as no surprise: spending time with love ones & letting them know how you feel about them is how we should all be spending are time everyday, not just on a holiday.
Christmas has changed for me as each year passes. I am glad that it is not like it was when I was little, with one exception - I miss loved ones who are no longer here & do wish that I had that sense of family again.
As I said, I am glad it is different for me now, it is not about material things, but gifts more priceless that can not be bought...
I just wish I knew then what I know now, I would have not taken things for granteg like I did as a child.
Blessings,
Shannon