The older I get, the more difficult it becomes to decorate the house for Christmas. It requires boxes of decorations being brought down from the attic, rearranging my furniture; ladders, and boxes and boxes of ornaments, greenery, and other assorted decorations to be put out; and at least two days of physical work that leave Jerry and I with backaches and stiff muscles. We like to put everything up early so we have a long time to enjoy our tree and everything that goes with it.
Of course, what goes up must come down. That requires two more days of hard work and many trips up and down the stairs. After all the garlands and lights and ornaments are put away, I feel a mixture of emotions. I’m glad to get my house back in order, but I miss the lights of the Christmas tree in the mornings when I get up and make my coffee. And I miss the anticipation of Christmas.
I love everything about Christmas: the lights, the music, the smells, the foods, and the relationships. I was in a reflective mood this Christmas. The grandchildren are all grown now…only one left in high school. They are all busy and don’t have as much time for us as when they were little, but I treasure what time I can get with them. This has been a year of letting go. Letting go of expectations as we have learned to be flexible about family events. Whosoever will may come! And we have had to let go of dear friends who have passed on to heaven. And maybe that is what makes Christmas so special. It is the knowledge that time is running out that makes me treasure each Christmas. I used to tease my grandmother for saying, “I wonder how many more Christmases we will have to all be together.” Now I get it. After everyone left on Christmas evening, Jerry and i hugged and said, “We got to have another one.”
I guess relationships are the most important part of Christmas. After all, relationship is the reason we have Christmas in the first place. God desired a relationship with man, so he came to earth to dwell among us and provide a way for us to be in relationship with Him.
As I pack away Christmas, I want to keep part of it all year long. My greatest gifts are my relationships. My relationship with Jesus is primary. But my family is my treasure. I’m so blessed to have my husband and our children and grandchildren. We are so blessed to be a part of a large and loving family. We are a part of a vibrant and loving church family. We are blessed with enduring friendships, and newer ones as well.
Thank you, Lord for Christmas. Help me to celebrate all year long!
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV).
LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered–how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4 (NLT).
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Thank you for sharing your perspective. Such true words! Each Christmas is a treasure to be cherished and a reminder of how important our relationships are, and a glimpse forward into a time when we will rejoin those who are already waiting for us.
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