So, This Is Christmas?

At the risk of stating the obvious, I'm just going to say it:

Trees,

lights,

Santa Claus,

snowmen,

presents,

Elf on the Shelf,

table decorations,

food,

and seasonal welcome mats

are all very nice, but they aren't what makes Christmas, well, Christmas.

Sure, all of that can be enjoyable and fill young hearts with wonder. My wife really loves doing all of the decorating and the gift shopping and wrapping. I think she would feel bad if she didn't spruce up the place with decorative Christmas cheer.

Me, I'd only miss it because she would miss it, and I wouldn't want her moping around.

However, it can easily be overwhelming, with disappointment, despair and discouragement because something didn't live up to expectations.

Well, Christmas isn't about getting or even giving. And while togetherness and family are potential perks, Christmas isn't really about all of that either.

Celebrating Christmas is meant to be about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ.

All of this other stuff, well, I'll leave you to research how it all came to be if you like. You can draw your own conclusions as to why it all exists.

All the consumerism, trying to keep up with the neighbors, not wanting to disappoint children, grandchildren or loved ones, spending more than we have or getting deeper in debt with gifts.

Definitely not what Christmas is all about.

Now, I know, many don't believe in Christ. That doesn't mean Christmas can't be celebrated, or not, as one sees fit.

To each their own.

Getting together with loved ones and having an enjoyable time is a worthwhile endeavor regardless, but especially given all of the restrictions on gathering this year. However, if such gatherings only serve to cause more anguish than being alone would, than maybe doing nothing is better. Anguishing or stressing over Christmas, to me at least, is the anti-thesis of what Christmas is meant to be.

Hope, not despair. Happiness and joy, not drudgery or sadness. Love, not hate or loneliness or other emotions most would consider negative.

So, in whatever way you choose to celebrate Christmas, or choose to ignore it—

I still wish one and all—

to all of you and all of yours from me and all of mine—

a very, Merry Christmas.

_{All images courtesy of Glen Anthony Albrethsen}