In this Christmastime "UPLIFT," Sally Ferguson shares how to let go of a "perfect" Christmas and create something far better.
"Family traditions are at the top of my list," Sally says, "including handmade ornaments, my mom’s famous egg nog, Christmas cookies, and pies made from scratch.
"But, the list has snowballed, leaving me in a frenzy!"
Frenzy. Yes, I (Dawn) know that word. It's not something compatible with the "peace" that's supposed to be a part of the Christmas season, is it?
Sally continues…
When did life get so complicated?
Browsing through my parents’ wedding mementoes, I found the gift list in Mom’s handwriting. In 1956, an appropriate gift was a set of doilies. Today, we would supplement that gift.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love gifts and gift wrapping and the giving of them.
The first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, the only gift given was a baby.
Two years later, visitors brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the gift of a baby represented something very personal. God gave the gift of Himself.
When someone hands you a gift and waits expectantly, do you decline to open it? No, you rip off the paper and squeal with delight over the thought for you.
God wants us to enjoy the gift of relationship. The Bible tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and when we reevaluate our high expectations of the perfect Christmas, we are able to decelerate and focus on His goodness.
Maybe the best recipe for Christmas is to keep it simple and personal.
Give of yourself to others. Spend time looking into people’s eyes instead of talking at them. Take time for reflection and worship. Ann Voskamp calls it, “keeping the sane and sacred of Christmas.”
Worship leader, Anna Hodge, says, “Sometimes I think we need a little help to slow down, open our hearts, and clear out the debris that keeps us from drawing near to God in an authentic and life-changing way.”
Do you need to halt, ponder, and seek God? Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, to gain perspective.
Eliminate unrealistic expectations, and seek things that make Christmas special.
Now, my recipe may look different than yours, but a common ingredient we can all add, is to have fun!
Isn’t fun highly overrated? While Christmas is portrayed as a romantic holiday, our reality often portrays loss of loved ones, job loss, loss of a home, or another loss. Life doesn’t always go the way we expect. So how can we trust that God will sustain us?
When our recipe is faithful obedience to Christ, we can count on His sustaining power in uncertain times.
- Look for ways to serve.
- Make time for people.
- Create special memories for others.
When your attention is given to people, the trappings of Christmas become less important.
Author Patricia Raybon says there is a secret to generosity; to get more, one must give. We find our own joy by giving to others!
Author Myquillyn Smith says life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
“I realized that although immaculate looking homes are pretty in pictures, when I’m actually in one… I’m wondering if it’s okay for me to move the pillow out of the way to sit down. I… miss the real purpose of being there: connection.
"There is beauty in the imperfection… Imperfections put people at ease. Once we learn to accept and find beauty in the imperfections, we are free to take a risk in our home and create the home we’ve always wanted.”
What can you do to let go of a perfect Christmas and instead create a home known for the warmth cultivated there?
As a newly married, I learned from a friend that Gingerbread Cookies were the perfect tradition. So I proudly carried that recipe into life as a young mom.
It was not quite the fun I had imagined, when my toddler decided to decorate the ceiling, floors and counters with powdered sugar and flour.
- Find what works for you and make it your own.
- When things happen that are out of your control, turn that into a celebration, too.
We can’t predict the weather changing our plans, but we can build a fire in the fireplace and roast hot dogs. Create special memories with what you have been given.
When dealing with the FRENZY of Christmas, FOCUS on the true meaning and create Christmas FUN.
Whether sledding as a family, delivering fruit baskets to shut-ins, or watching The Grinch three times in a row, whatever secret ingredient you add to your holidays, keep it simple and personal. And may the gift be returned to you, with love.
How do you replenish yourself during the December rush?
Sally Ferguson lives in western NY with her husband, her dad, and a partridge in a pear tree. Actually,
it’s a bluebird in the backyard, but this is a Christmas post. Together, they are looking for a recipe for Christmas that will include all the grands! (Sally laughs with her grandchildren, right.)
Sally’s coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up?, is a look at sharing God’s love with others through the platform He’s given you. If you’re a baker, then tell people Jesus is the Bread of Life! Visit Sally at www.sallyferguson.net.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Susanne Jutzeler at Pixabay.