It's apparent with all the commercials, store décor, and tales of Black Friday that Christmas is coming. Instead of feeling uplifted, wandering through the aisles upon aisles of holiday décor make me feel.....depressed. Christmas brings to mind thoughts of childhood and memories that we are unable to repeat. That spirited, believe-in-anything frame of mind inherent to children is now gone, replaced by a jaded sense of commercialism and bittersweet thoughts of family who are no longer with us either by death or by choice. Both my mother and grandmother passed away in December 1996 and the upcoming month can't help but remind me of wonderful memories but also the absence in my life of these beloved matriarchs. My children are now grown, maturing beyond the magical wonder of the holiday, happy simply with a wad of cash as opposed to stuffed animals, action figures, and sugar cookies.
How does one recapture the magic of Christmas? Perhaps by simply reflecting upon memories of the past, shuffling through the photo albums, praying and breathing can you enhance the holiday season. Instead of making the day bigger and better, you can make it smaller and cozier, intimate enough that it becomes special once again. Give to those in need when it's least expected rather than giving by obligation only. Express appreciation. Say thank you. Smile. And revel in the blessings God has bestowed upon you in the last year. Replacing the Christmas blues with a thankful heart may just be the ticket to recapturing the holiday magic.
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