Christians often give up something for Lent, and although I’ve done that, I’m starting a new tradition in our house. I’m encouraging each of us to give up something for Christmas. The Christmas holidays have become such a busy season and there aren’t enough days in the 4 ½ weeks I have to get everything done.
What happened to enjoying the holiday? What happened to expressing your faith and doing good works and acts of kindness during that time.
I admit, for years, I would begin the weekend after Thanksgiving, spending four days decorating. That means putting up an artificial tree, decorating said tree, putting the extra leaf in the dining room table and putting the holiday table cloth and table runner on said table.
Then there were two Rubbermaid bins of stuffed and ceramic Santas. Some were vintage, some were new, some were sentimental, some were gifts, but eventually they went everywhere in the house. They became “décor”. At one point, I counted 50 Santas!
The bathrooms received Christmas linen hand towels and the kitchen was covered in Christmas themed pot holders. I filled a copper tub with real pinecones collected on a hike to Mt. Lemmon. I always intended to spray paint them gold but as the years passed, the natural color just looks better.
Then I opened the bin of ornaments, purchased, received and collected over the years. Each is lovingly wrapped in tissue paper. There’s a set of redbird (with real feathers) ornaments, a set of glitter covered papier Mache angel fish, a set of light weight brass toy drums, and a set of red and white stripe candy cane ornaments. Some years, I’d use one set and store the others back in the box.
But, this year I’ve decided to do an experiment. What if I didn’t decorate. What if I didn’t put up the tree? What if the Santas never came out of their Rubbermaid bin? The corners of my mouth turn upward as I think about this possibility of freedom.
I calculate I’ll save about 20 hours of my time; save the bending over and aching back; save the mess of vacuuming up glitter; feel safe when our 2-year-old toddler comes over that there will be no toppling tree incident; and the list goes on!
Now my upturned mouth is smiling wide, I feel a sense of freedom. I plan a holiday party without giving a thought to the guest bath holiday towels. I want to holler “Yippee!” I want to skip for joy.
I plan to volunteer at the church as they prepare gift boxes for needy families. I intend to write long heartfelt letters to my children and my grandchildren. I intend to reach out to my dear friends that normally get a Christmas card with my name scribbled on the bottom. And I intend to reflect deeply on all my blessings.
I’ll let you know how my experiment turns out!