(I wish for) Joy to the World and other Christmasy Things

As a connoisseur of all things Christmas,  I have delighted in the small,  simple,  wondrous things of the season.  I've loved singing hymns in church, watching Christmas movies with my family, and hearing the kids in my elementary school choir belt out Christmas carols to a packed auditorium. I've reveled in the magical smells of balsam and gingerbread.  I've enjoyed the decorations set out in my community and in the homes of my neighbors. I've loved giving gifts as well as hugs. The lights, the music, the goodwill, the treats, the atmosphere, the nativities...these things and more are what make Christmas for me!

My living room ceiling that Meghan "Buddified"
(see ELF the movie)

"My" elementary school choir

While I've been soaking in Christmas spirit, time has kept on moving-with all the stresses and craziness that life can bring.  I've let it affect me every now and again.  I've fretted and worried, I've stressed and obsessed. I've discussed life with others who are feeling stressed too. Inevitably I am then reminded  by well-meaning souls how much stress the holidays bring.  My first reaction is: WHAT? HOLD the phone!  SHUT the front door! I LOVE the holidays.  They are what's keeping me going!

Our gazebo that Chad got all Christmased up for me

After my initial shock wears off,  I can see where this feeling comes from.  If your plate is already full, the pressure of providing a perfect Christmas seems daunting even to the well prepared, and I am usually well prepared. But like many other things in life,  we have a chance to choose not what happens to us but where and how we will let it affect us. I almost lost my father last week. It was scary, and people kept asking if I would be able to celebrate Christmas if I lost him. I would. Christmas is about Christ and I would need Him more than ever after such a devastating loss. Would it have been hard without my dad? You're darn tootin it would, but dad would expect to me to carry on and find the joy in what the season is about. He'd be watching down on me, celebrating right along with me. Dad is still here and I'm more grateful than I can convey. I got a Christmas miracle! It only makes me more determined to seek Christmas joy and find meaning in all of it.

My wonderful parents

Dad before his Christmas miracle

Today I sat in on a wonderful history lesson about World War 2 that incorporated student activities as well as Christmas music. The reason for some of the carols we hear this time of year was taught to the classes  and the stories behind these beloved songs were exactly what I needed to hear to keep the Christmas Spirit flowing strong. Christmas is not stress to me. It is  rest from everything worldly and troublesome. It is joy, it is love, it is meaningful.   I intend to enjoy it to the fullest.