A Different Perspective Regarding Christmas

I admit, I have a different perspective regarding Christmas, believing there are things far outweighing what I’ve made of the season. Noting how different things are from one year to the next, I have a tendency to flip-flop. However, with that said, I still keep some things the same, well practiced routines that never fail.

Every year, I search through a collection of cookbooks, deciding which recipes I will use. And even though there are oodles of recipes online, I gravitate to the tried-and-true recipes in those old worn out cookbooks I’ve received over the years. Some of them have seen better days, a few barely holding the pages together. Others have notations, where I’ve tweaked a few recipes. There’s one cookbook in particular that is my go-to because it contains my most favorite Christmas treats. Another is celebrating its fortieth birthday, and there are few much older, passed down through time by the people I loved who have since passed on.

There are new recipes, I will test for the very first time. Out comes the apron, the mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups, along with the ingredients. And in the background, carols play softly. The music, the scent of baking, and my enthusiasm for the season all simultaneously sharing the same space. It’s a blend of joy, love, and peace that fills my home and my heart. And on Christmas day, I will share all I’ve made with those I love while we sit back and enjoy our time together. 

MEANINGFULNESS THROUGH SPIRIT

What does Christmas mean to you? For me, it’s a time to be thankful for the greatest gifts one can ever receive, the gift of life, the gift of love, and the gift of peace.

When we reflect on the word Christmas, it can be a blessing to refocus and cherish the actual meaning behind this day. The true meaning of Christmas. Somehow, we have made it into something other than a beautiful reflection of love, light, and hope. Complicating it to where some people face nothing but enormous pressure because of high expectations. The key is to just do your best and appreciate each moment happily, joyfully, peacefully. It’s truly a time of gratitude, thankful for the time we have with those we love.

TRADITIONS

As I removed the festive candles and ornaments from their storage containers, I said a little prayer, thanking God for this very moment. Lovingly, I placed the decorations throughout the house. The aroma of shortbread, gingerbread, and sugar cookies dance in the air. Initially, I had thoughts of heading out to a local bakery. But what fun is that? Instead, I opted to go full out after looking through all those cookbooks, cradling the ones containing my all-time favorite recipes. On went the apron and in a flash, those tasty treats now sit attractively on cooling racks. 

There’s something about tradition, invoking special memories. The soothing sound of Christmas music, continues to play in the backdrop. The scent of spice drifts throughout my home, giving it that cozy vibe, creating a Christmas ambiance in anticipation of celebrating this blessed time. The thing is, as we get on in life, there’s a place in our hearts that will always value these traditions. 

CHOOSING TO SEE CHRISTMAS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Christmas will always have a way of stirring up fond memories. It will remind us of happy times with those who are no longer with us, but forever present in our thoughts and in our hearts. So, as you go about creating exceptional moments, be gracious with your love and with the time you have with those near and dear to you. Embrace those you know who are feeling loss, or feeling at a loss, especially during this time of year. And spend some time in recollection, in remembrance of those who meant a great deal to you, and the joy they brought to your life. Consider the true meaning and value Christmas evokes. The finer things far beyond measure, so intangible that its very nature is profoundly personal. In essence, it can only be heartfelt.

How are you choosing to see Christmas? Is this the time of year where you are grateful for all things? Thankful for the here and now, appreciating those special people in your life? Enjoying the time you have, creating the happiness you so deserve? By choosing to see Christmas from a different perspective, we stand to gain so much more than the presents under the tree. We perceive the miraculous presence of God through His greatest gift of all, a genuine token of His love, LIFE.

Warmest wishes for a truly blissful holiday season filled with love and peace!