Frequently, we feel less peace and joy and more Christmas stress. With two days to go, it feels like the stress level has gotten to an all-time high.
- That special toy the daughter wants won’t be available until next Christmas… or the next decade
- Travel looks to be getting complicated with another wave of the virus. Should we even go to Granny’s?
- The office has never been this busy before Christmas. Where did all this business come from anyway?
Christmas stress has always been prevalent. I wrote about it and drew this cartoon in 2012. But of course, the last two years have had added layers of stress. We just don’t know what the future holds. Short-term and long-term planning seems impossible.
What do we do when the stress is getting to us? How can we keep from taking it out on our loved ones with a strategically placed wreath? Slow down, take a deep breath and remember the reason for the season.
“When they [Magi or Wise Men] saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 2:10–11 (KJV) via Bible Gateway.com
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”
Remember the Why
Why do we celebrate? It isn’t about any of these:
- The perfect present under the tree
- Getting together with family
- A Martha Stewart, or Pioneer Woman-inspired spread on a snowy Christmas morning
It is about a baby and the hope he brought a cold, dark world. The winter solstice has come and the days are already getting longer. Winter will be here for a while, but summer is coming. The Light of the World has come into the world as well. We can slow down, celebrate, and know things will be all right.
