It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas is finally here! By the time you read this you would of probably opened at least one present, have Christmas dinner being prepared and be singing along to “All I want for Christmas is you”
I’ve been doing my gift shopping since November and even now it isn’t finished. I’m lucky the gifts here are for New Years so there’s still time. Every year we go through the build up until Christmas time, we get stressed, panic buy and once all the presents are bought, the wrapping still has to be done!
When I hear the word Christmas, I automatically think of gifts, decorations, carols, lights, shopping, Christmas dinner, wrapping paper, Holly, oh the list is never-ending.. But when I sit down and really think about this festive season, there’s actually so much more to it. I remember the Christmases of my childhood and just how fun they were. The excitement of waking up on Christmas morning with my older sister and rushing downstairs to the tree.
We couldn’t wait to open our presents from Father Christmas and of course the ones we’d asked for from mum and dad. The living room would fill with the sounds of our laughter and cheers of joy on Christmas morning. The television would then turn on to show back to back festive films especially for the holidays. From The Snowman to Jingle all the way, Christmas Day was spent with having fun, eating sweets and chocolate till the dinner was ready and pudding with custard for dessert.
This festive season and day described as “the most wonderful time of the year”, isn’t about any of these when you think about it. It’s about family. It’s about being with those who care and love you, it’s about being peaceful and sharing the peace and joy you have with all those around. It’s about giving. Not giving just to those you love and care for, but to the needy, giving to those who need love and care because they don’t have a family or anyone around them.
I remember the old folk’s party which was organized by sixth formers at my secondary school every Christmas. Tins of food, snacks, and essentials were donated by students and then made into hampers for the local elderly to take home. We’d have games of bingo lined up along with dance and singing performances to entertain the old folk. Sandwiches, quiche and sausage rolls, tea and coffee with cake were set carefully on the decorated tables. The organisation was entirely voluntary, it was to show that we cared, not just about our loved ones but about them too and remind them they weren’t alone. Christmas is about love and sharing, it’s about sacrifice and being with others, especially those who are alone.
No matter how you are spending Christmas this year, make sure you stay humble to those around you. Share the love and joy you have within you and yourself a Merry little Christmas…