In a few months we’ll be celebrating the Christmas season. How time flies! Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that we packed up last year’s decorations? The season seems to start earlier and earlier every year. Believe it or not, I actually saw some Christmas decorations for sale last week – in August! The commercialization of Christmas has really gotten out of hand. That goes for many of the other holidays as well.
Should we really allow Madison Avenue and the advertising industry to drive our holiday celebrations? I don’t think so. I believe that we should take an honest look at the true meaning of each holiday and let that guide our method of celebration. Each of our methods may differ, depending on how we feel about the holiday, family traditions, and other factors. I would just like to get back to genuine celebrations that do not necessarily revolve around trips to the shopping mall and incurring mountains of debt. So many of our celebrations are not genuine; or only apply to one day.
During the Christmas season we sing about tidings of comfort and joy for a few weeks, then what? By January 1st all bets are off.
We say “peace on Earth, good will toward men” for a few weeks, and then it’s back to “what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine”.
We have charity drives to give people “One Warm Coat” – only one? How about giving them some gloves and hats and scarves too?
We donate food for a huge holiday dinner; turkey, stuffing, apple pie, etc. and pat ourselves on the back because we’ve fed a family. Well guess what? Although that dinner will be delicious that day, and maybe for a few days after that, the family will be hungry again one week later, and the week after that and the week after that.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t give during the holidays. I’d just like us to be honest about our motives and commitment to helping those in need all year long.
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” I am determined to live life to the fullest. And celebrate all year long. I want to live my life with a perpetual attitude of gratitude and giving. I’ll celebrate every holiday every day:
- Mother’s Day – because I love being a mother and in memory of my Mom
- Father’s Day – for my husband who is a great father and in memory of my Dad
- My birthday – because I’m glad I was born
- Back to school – because I don’t have to go back
- Thanksgiving – because I’m always thankful
You get the idea, there’s always a reason to celebrate. I can just hear Kool & the Gang singing “Celebrate good times, come on!” Find a reason to celebrate every day. What are you celebrating today?
