Commercialism

I have sat watching the late news this evening. It was interesting to me how the news of the evening revolved around how bad the traffic was at the mall today as well as other stores. What stores were staying open late all the way to late Christmas Eve evening for all those last minute shoppers. The news reporter even  reported live from a store's parking lot. I have to wonder when shopping became the true meaning of Christmas.

Advertising companies spend billions of dollars each year to get us to realize that the perfect Christmas involves the perfect, expensive gifts. People worry if there will be enough for each of the children. People go in debt over their heads each year in search of the "perfect" Christmas. The good news is participation is not mandatory.

When will we wake up and realize that money never buys happiness or love. What people really want for Christmas is your love and time. That is what truly is important. As I have said before, I am not saying you should not buy presents. What I am saying is we need to stop letting "money" define who we are and our love for someone else. .

 I really enjoy Christmas baking, gift wrapping and decorating as well as going to look at the lights and walking the neighborhood in the stillness of the night to look at our neighbors light displays.  This December has been a rough one for me mentally because I have had to be an observer of many of these things. I suffered a serious fall the first part of the month and then when I was finally starting to get up and move around I got a bad respiratory infection which kicked in my asthma. I have spent much of December on forced rest. It has given me a lot of time to think and observe. I realized that as much as I try I still was succumbing to some of the merchandising and busyness hype.

In spite of not being able to do much this month, there are Christmas presents under our tree, Christmas cookies in the kitchen and the house is decorated. I have spent a lot of time resting and deciding what really was the important things that needed to be done. My husband and daughters have done a good job of stepping in and taking care of the essentials.

I am doing better but instead of rushing around trying to get things done all day I tried to keep it simple. Tonight, my husband and I went to watch a movie at the dollar theater. Our children stayed home and enjoyed a Christmas movie here. Afterwards, my husband and I stopped at a store to pick up a few essentials. We will be hosting Christmas dinner here on the 25th in the evening. Tomorrow, my husband will go in the morning to buy the perishable items we will need. We will pick up the house, bake a few more Christmas cookies and then worship in the evening at our church. This has all been accomplished with a new attitude from me which is not stressing all the details. I am thankful for time to reflect this December. It will make me think of next December differently.

Try to take time today enjoy doing something as a family. If you have not liked how your Christmas or December has gone then take some time to decide how it will be different next year. Write it down and try to follow it. Most of all enjoy today and tomorrow. Have a blessed Christmas Eve!