The Greatness of Christmas

Today, I'm taking the time to talk about why Christmas is so damn important to me.  I think too often during this time of year we get bogged down by the stresses of the holiday and we tend to complain instead of really celebrating and embracing the joy that is Christmas.  It seems to have become the fashion to complain about the consumerism of the holiday and how we're forgetting that it's Jesus's birthday, blah blah blah.  And we do this complaining while standing in line in department stores buying presents.

The thing is, yes, there is a bit of consumerism to the holiday but that consumerism is just as important as sitting around reading and/or listening to the story of the birth of Jesus.  If it wasn't well then there wouldn't be a Black Friday, haha.  giving.  Admit it, most of the gifts you give aren't given out of obligation but because it is a tangible way of showing your family and friends how much you love, care, and appreciate them.  We give gifts to see the smile on a face and a twinkle in the eye.  We give gifts because it warms our hearts.  Seriously though, the consumerism isn't about receiving it's about

Growing up Christmas was the holiday in our house.  My dad loved Christmas.  He started itching to get the tree and all the decorations up on Thanksgiving.  He was usually only able to restrain himself until December 1.  Then it was on.  As the tree went up, the walls of the house started to reflect the colors green, red, gold, and silver, the lights and ornaments got hung and all the little knick-knacks got unwrapped and displayed. The sounds of Christmas music or Christmas movies filled the air while the smell of cookies filled our nostrils and permeated our clothes.

Even when there was very little under our tree we still had a tree with lights and ornaments.  We had the sounds and scents of Christmas.  We had each other.

After, my brother and I grew up and moved out to start our adult lives, my dad still insisted on getting the decorations up before we got home.  There was no such thing as a small Christmas to him.

It's been seven years since he died and we still keep Christmas going where ever we are.  Sometimes, it's hard because so many people want to complain instead of celebrate.  They get annoyed by the Christmas music blaring from my computer or car speakers.  People don't seem to understand how hard it is for me to celebrate when I'm celebrating for not only me but for him, too.   

I miss driving with my dad through the rich neighborhoods, point out the houses with the nicest lights and decorations.  I miss complaining about my dad playing his favorite Christmas album--Elvis Presley-- over and over.  I really hated that damn album but I would give anything to be in our old house helping my dad string the tree lights and listening to Elvis crooning, "I'll be home for Christmas".   
 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, stop complaining about the madness of it all and just enjoy it!  Focus on the good things like Jesus (if you're spiritual), Christmas trees, music, decorations, family, friends, and love.  Embrace this season because it only happens once a year and each year can be very different from the year before.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.    

For you daddy...