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| Temple Square Tabernacle after my wonderful brother-in-law's Christmas recital. |
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| My beautiful Buddy the Elf-spreading Christmas cheer |
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| A gift from one of my kindergarteners-"it's a candy cane...all you have to do is add red stripes!" |
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| My little Christmas gazebo |
I love this time of year. I'm sure anyone who knows me knows this is true. I revel in every single aspect of it. But I acknowledge that sometimes this most wonderful time of the year brings stress, fatigue, loneliness and even dread to some. It actually brings out the bah-humbug in some of the best of otherwise happy, light-giving people. While I understand that there is true loneliness around the holidays, I have a hard time wrapping my head around the less desirable feelings about Christmastime...the dread-ism, bah-humbug-ism, stress-ism, and most of all the perceived "commercialism". That one I just do not get.
I'm not trying to be insensitive. I think commercialism is a word that somebody made up to express frustration about companies wanting the consumer's money. Then the consumer glommed onto it and made it an issue. It doesn't have to be. Commercialism, like so, so many other things in life, is a choice. Your choice.
There are so many things we think Christmas needs to be; a time filled with activities, gifts, people, shopping, treats, programs, events, and...dare I say it...perfection. These things can be good, wonderful, joy rendering things...until we get carried away with these expectations and soon the stress of having to produce this kind of perfection gets to be a little much. Add to that the idea of "commercialism" and you have a wonderful time of the year gone bad. But you can fix this. You can be joyful.
I don't buy into the idea of commercialism. Yes, companies want your money. No, you don't have to give it to them, even under the guise of needing the "perfect gift." I choose time with loved ones, I choose thought over price, I choose heart over expectations, and I even choose thoughtfulness over perfection. It lends me much more time to enjoy the season. And I can assure you I do enjoy it!
May I suggest that when you see the lights, revel in the magic. When you see the displays, marvel at the time that went into creating a visual statement of happiness. When you hear the songs, be tickled by the charm of a happy tune, or the reverence of a tribute to baby Jesus. When you see the jolly man in a red suit, be grateful he teaches not about presents, but about giving and loving. The true meaning of Christmas. Giving, sharing, loving with the light that came with you as part of your package. Letting God's light shine through you.
Commercial-ism? How about commercial-ISN'T? Find the joy in that.
And in case you haven't found the joy yet...watch this!
Love it as always Heather. You continue to teach me so much. Love you to pieces.
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