Over the next two months I expect to hear that quote shared by more than a few people. Yes, Halloween just past, and Thanksgiving is yet to grace us with its presence, but it is November, and the holiday season is upon us. The closer we get to Christmas the more I expect to hear, “I wish Christmas was over!”
This feeling could be the result of many things. Perhaps it is the hustle and bustle, and the feeling that there is too much to buy and not enough money. Maybe it is due to the thousands of people that suddenly seem to flood the roads and stores. Or, maybe it is going through the holiday with the memory of a loved one that is no longer here. All good reasons to feel a little blue, and I used to feel it too, until I realized how much the memories that hurt can also be the memories that heal.
I’ve never met anyone who’s life reflected a Hallmark Christmas movie, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t enjoyable…even if the concept of every movie is the same for nearly 60 days! If we are able to put away the pain of whatever negativity we bring into the season for just a little while, perhaps we can use the memories that sometimes haunt us to instead refresh us.
I remember a childhood of Christmas caroling and Christmas parties through our local church. Winter breaks of playing in the snow when it was ten degrees, with wonder bread wrappers around the feet, then stuffed into the boots. Why did we wear bread bags on our feet anyway? I remember Christmas Eve services and then the whole family gathering at someone’s house for cookies, coffee, cocoa, and fellowship.. The Christmas days when the families gather at the grandparent’s house for a monster dinner and gift exchange. So many more childhood memories flood back when I see the first snowflakes, but those days are past.
I think to my favorite adult holiday seasons, and things I wish were still there but can only be when I remember the beautiful feelings they inspired. The cold weather isn’t bad when bundled tight and the attitude is right. A Jeep in four wheel drive can blast through the deepest snows, and can be very enjoyable at night when Christmas lights are reflecting off the freshly covered and unplowed roads. When there is someone special in the front seat, a kid or two in the back, and a dog barking at every deer that gallops across the path.
Cozying up in front of a fireplace, real or fake, with a good movie and a warm glass of brandy, or apple cider, or hot chocolate was always a treat. The smell of scented candles, and holiday cookies in the oven. Even Christmas shopping can be a joy in spite of the mobs that care about no one but themselves, mainly because it is families out together spending time that seems to be lost in its meaning in the middle of July. Watching a loved one open a special gift, and seeing the joy on their face is unique with each gift and each year, but always irreplaceable. Ugh, shoveling snow is just terrible! Until the dog is running and jumping into every pile that is shoved to the side of the driveway.
Most of those great memories and good times have passed for one reason or another, and it would be so simple to think of those times and be angry that they are gone. We all have some memories that were so special that remembering them today is just too painful to think about during the holidays. I used to say, “I wish Christmas was over,” and now I realize how sad that attitude is. We were each blessed to have had the good seasons we did, and we were never guaranteed that they would go on indefinitely…even if we wished they would.
This year turn those same memories that now cause pain into memories that bring cheer. Whatever it is that can bring back your cheer, you should embrace it. Even if it was only one season of joy in a life of turmoil, that season was meant for you! I will drink my cocoa and cider, drive in the deep snow, go shopping for no reason other than to watch families, bundle up and look at Christmas light displays in the falling snow. I will shovel until my arms fall off and watch my dog tear through the yard like a puppy. I will sit in front of a fireplace and even watch Christmas movies every night for two months. I will hang lights and stockings, and special pictures that remind me of joyful times, and I will find small ways to help someone who is struggling.
Sure the holidays can be rough and each year seems to have a new fad, but to say, “I wish Christmas was over,” well… that attitude is just sad.
Many Blessings and a happy holiday… and a very Merry Christmas.
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 