The Gifts of Christmas
“Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more”
Let’s welcome the holiday season. It’s helpful to take a little time to pause and reflect. What are the deeper gifts of Christmas, the ones that give meaning to this special season?
Most of us have some traditions at Christmas. For many years my family has watched “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol”. In each of these movies, the main character is incredibly mean or greedy and has to experience the results of how he treated others. Why do we watch these same movies each year? We want the feelings these movies give us. We feel the healing that happens in the stories. These movies carry wonderful messages of redemption, forgiveness, kindness and love.
Christmas is not so much about opening presents as it is about opening your heart. The spirit of Christmas lies in your heart. When you are open-hearted, you have unmistakable feelings. Judgments and grievances drop away. You look upon life with fresh eyes. All of life opens up to you and you may be filled with awe and wonder.
Here are some gifts that Christmas offers to us.
Noticing beauty:Be in wonder of the beauty around you. The bright lights on trees and buildings. Lovely decorations. Cards sent and received. I saw the Festival of Lights here in Vancouver and it was incredibly beautiful with many thousands of lights dancing to Christmas music. Last week I noticed the softness of the winter moon in the night sky. It made me stop and wonder.
Feeling love: The true meaning of Christmas is love. Love of family and friends. This is a special time to express and share our love together. While sometimes family dynamics can be difficult around Christmas, this is also an opportunity for healing. And, it’s important to love yourself at this time of year, to acknowledge who you are.
Expressing gratitude for all you have. Spend a little time contemplating what you can be grateful for today: the people in your life, where you live, scenery, sunsets, friendships, a book you read, something you learned, music you enjoy, laughter. Give thanks for the challenges: notice how they make you stronger. Call a friend to express your thanks and appreciation to them for being in your life.
Take a deep breath. Allow feelings of gratitude and love to fill your heart. Notice how you feel.
Reach out and help someone in need. Is there someone who needs your support or kindness?
If you’re able to take a little time and remember to do some of these things during the holiday season, you may notice some surprising benefits.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
May you experience the deeper gifts of the Christmas season. May your heart be filled with love and gratitude.
Warm Wishes,
Brenda