Time for a Christmas Checkup?
Sometimes it's hard to tell whose birthday it is, isn't it? Even the familiar sights, sounds and smells which remind us that Christmas is coming can distract us from the purpose of this important celebration. Perhaps it's time for a Christmas "checkup." Ask yourself the following questions:- Is Christmas a time of spiritual renewal for me?
- Which receives the most attention in my household at Christmas -- the "advent" of Santa Claus or the Advent of Jesus Christ?
- Do I feel pressured by the media, friends, relatives and myself to do things and spend money in ways that do not honor the birth of Christ?
- Am I comfortable with the gift-giving patterns of my family? Does my spending for Christmas reflect my faith?
- The Gospels say that Christ's coming was "good news to the poor." Are my celebrations of his coming also "good news to the Poor?"
- Do your answers make you feel a need to change some of your Christmas celebrations? If so, consider the following:
- Observe the spirit of Advent. Avoid commercialized Christmas hype. Take some quiet time each day of Advent for reflection about what you want to celebrate this Christmas.
- Reconsider perpetuating the Santa traditions in your household. If Santa has become the center of attention, maybe he should go.
- Rediscover new "old ways" of giving, in which thoughtfulness and creativity - not money - are the measures of good gifts.
- Divert from this year's Christmas budget an amount equal to 25% of what you spent last Christmas and give it to those who really need it.
- Include in your Christmas celebrations those who would otherwise be alone.
- These are suggestions, not a magic formula for spiritual health at Christmas. Consider them as you seek to shape your celebration in such a way that this Christmas neither you nor the members of you household will wonder "Whose birthday is it, anyway?"
Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com
| Blog INDEX
PODCAST |
Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.