'The Real Meaning of Christmas'
Last time I suggested that we all make a 'not to do' list so we can attempt to NOT be overwhelmed by Christmas.
One of the things that gets to me about Christmas is the pressure to not forget 'the real meaning of Christmas'. I am a christian and I love Jesus Christ 365 days of the year, and not just on Christmas. I am not about to be pressured to become more of a christian for one season. Having said that, I would like to share this shortened history (in my own words) about the 'real meaning of Christmas'. It may surprise you.
The festival which we now call Christmas was started long before Christ was born. Many countries had festivals at this time of year, marking the winter solstace. The festivities would include many of the things we still do today, lights, parades, decorated trees, and other traditions.
The Christians were not to be outdone by the rest of the world and so added Christ to these sorts of festivals and there you have it! Christmas!
No one knows for sure when Christ was born but the church in Rome decided to set a date for that celebration, and December 25th was chosen.
So, if you can't 'get into it' don't feel badly. It is just a festival. Pick the parts you like and throw the rest of it out the window! Set your own standards.
Style your own Christmas to suit you and your family! Understanding what the Christmas season is all about (just a festival) will guard you, and release you from some of the pressures.
Is that a little bit of help? Do you have any ways that you guard yourself from the pressures of Christmas? Would you like to share them with us?
For a dose of laughter medicine click here.
May Dipsy Doodling Around Depression
be better than a therapy session!
Don't give up,
I'm praying for you....
Wendy Love
4 comments:
Thank you for this release from the pressure, Wendy. That did help!
We are decorating less this year, since our kids are gone, and it will just be the two of us.
I like what you said about loving Jesus 365 days. I do, too.
Jeanette,
So glad I could help! Aren't we women silly the way we need permission to do less? I have not put up any decorations yet, though I will this week. But one thing I AM looking forward to this week is my first granddaughter's first Christmas concert! Not only will it be fun, but NO effort on my part! Merry Christmas!
I do that! Every year I stress about making it about Christ and am frustrated when I get swallowed up in all the hooplah! I had never thought of it in the way you put it, but it is so true.
Marianne,
Glad you have found a new way to look at it all! Oh how I would love to life the burden of 'Christmas' off of women once and for all. I wonder if the men feel any pressure? Besides, it is even more important with those of us who live with the challenges depression brings, to be even more careful to be good to ourselves at this stressful time of year.
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