|
Written by Angela Kessler
|
|
Saturday, 26 December 2009 00:00 |
I’m sitting at my computer listening to “White Christmas” and thinking about how this song was written in the middle of summer. Here I sit at the beginning of winter wondering if snow will ever accumulate enough to give us a white any-part-of-winter, let alone Christmas.
No, I’m not one of those who is dreaming of the hot sun on my skin and warm sand under my toes. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not a summer hater. One of my favorite parts of living in the Midwest is experiencing the glory of all the seasons. But I must admit, the Christmas season is one of my favorites.
 Like most children, I looked forward to Christmas. Memories that immediately come to mind are getting dressed up before going to visit Santa at the mall, making one new hand-made ornament for the tree every year, my dad asking my brother and me to play carols on our instruments for the family gathering and the general hustle-bustle of the day as family members filled the house.
Just like the seasons of the year, our holiday events have changed over time. I can’t remember the last time I stood in line to see Santa or even hand-making anything besides dinner. (Apparently, the arts and crafts gene went to my sister.)
Now I look forward to the holidays as one of the few times each year extended families gather at one place at one time. I get more satisfaction in the excitement of seeing the joy in others’ faces as they unwrap the gifts chosen just for them. That’s a lot better than the fun I had playing with a new toy or reading a new book. The newness of receiving wears off quickly, but I never tire of the feeling I get when I bring joy to someone else.
That, I think, is the gift of Christmas that God gives to each one of us. The more we think about others and experience the joy of giving, the more we learn the lessons taught by Jesus during His lifetime. Loving and caring for those we already know is easy enough, but that same joy can be said of giving yourself in service to others.
While its thrilling to watch your child, spouse or parent open a special gift at Christmas, that feeling is just as powerful when giving to someone you don’t know. Upon delivering wrapped gifts for a needy family we “adopted” for Christmas, one of the coordinators gave me a hug and thanked me profusely. Mind you, she wasn’t a member of the family receiving the gifts, but was truly happy for the time and effort our family took to help make another’s Christmas a joyful one.
I can only imagine the reaction of the family when they opened their gifts. But even the thought of what happiness we could bring to the family brings a smile to my face. I have to think that’s part of the divine plan: if we are exhilarated by giving, we are compelled to continue.
I’m guilty, though, of being generous to others at this time of the year, but forgetting my obligation to others and the good feeling that comes with it much of the rest of the year.
So we segue from Christmas to a new year, and a tradition for many is to make resolutions to be better people. Often, those resolutions center on the self. Maybe this year, we can make a pact to work on being better and more consistent givers during the entire year. Count me in. |
|
Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2009 00:00 |
