Christmas time is here at last!
It is my favourite time of the year because it is the most magical of times. I have loved Christmas since I was a child. Christmas begins in childhood and lasts a lifetime if we allow it to.
I’m sure if we all stop for a moment and give it some thought we will have a childhood memory of Christmas that stands out more than the rest. My favourite memory would be when I was about 7 years old. That year I remember everything about our Christmas; from the decorating of the tree, to the hanging of Christmas stockings at the end of my bed and the anticipation of Santa Clause visiting our home and having presents to unwrap. I remember struggling to go to sleep that night. I wanted to see Santa for myself. I remember my mom making the Christmas lunch and how delicious the pudding was. What made this Christmas so special is that I Believed.
My experience was filled with emotions and all my senses were engaged and like most children, I was present living each moment as it unfolded. It was magical. It was that very Christmas that I promised myself I would always keep the magic of Christmas alive in my heart and I have done just that.
The movie, I think, that captures the magic of Christmas is The Polar Express. Take time to watch it with your children. Take time to think of your favourite childhood memory of Christmas.
When we are children it is easy to experience the magic of Christmas but as we become older things change. I have often thought about why Christmas is still so magical to me and I think it is because of the meaningfulness of Christmas. Christmas is full of old traditions and stories which have been passed down from one generation to the next. For example, the Christmas carols we hear wherever we go. My favourite is Christmas carols sung by Boney M.
Another tradition is the decorating of the tree, lighting up our homes, the buying presents and wrapping them. Then there is the planning of the meal, the cooking and the table setting. Which family and friends we plan to invite to Christmas lunch.
The time spent with others on Christmas day creates meaningful memories and makes this time of year so special.
Christmas is full of old traditions. Do you have family traditions you follow at Christmas time? Do you love the old Christmas traditions?
I always think that December is that one month in the year that everyone is thinking about the same thing. Christmas, holidays, family and friends. It’s that time of the year when everyone is on the same page; the whole world and how amazing is that?
Christmas is not just about traditions; it’s about relationships and connection with those around us. It’s the time of the year when everyone opens their hearts and show kindness, joy and love. It’s the season of hope all because of meaningful connections and experiences.
There is another reason though; the most important reason of all. Christmas stands out each year on our calendars more than any other month because it was the time God gave us A GIFT. God gave us the gift of His only son because He loves all of us so much. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus into the world. Jesus who came to live amongst us and experience what we all experience in this life. Jesus came into the world to teach us about God and His love for us and how we might live so that we can please God. Each Christmas is magical because we are all celebrating God’s gift to us. It’s about Believing in the Gift of Christmas. It’s the Hope for the future.
May this Christmas be a gift to you too.
