It's almost Christmas

Baking cookies

It's almost Christmas, can you believe it? I can't! I don't know how this year has passed so quickly. It seems the older I get the faster the days, months, and years go by. Do you feel it, too? Why is that? Maybe it's because the older we get the more we realize there are fewer days ahead of us than behind us. 

My decorations are up, the presents are wrapped, and I have nothing left to do other than prepare the meal for our family on Christmas day. Thankfully, this year, the kids will help by bringing side dishes. It's tough when it all falls on me and I'm finally realizing it's smart to delegate and accept help when you need it. I've always struggled with that. 

Today I was thinking about all the people who aren't with us this year and who won't be with us on Christmas. It's so sad my parents, my brother, and my in laws are no longer with us. Christmas won't be the same without them. And I won't get to have all my children and grandchildren with me either, but I'm trying not to dwell on the negative. I'm thankful I'll get to have 2 of my 4 children here and 1 of my 9 grandchildren with me. Without any of them, it would be a very somber day. 

 And then I think of dear friends who've lost loved ones this year. In particular I'm thinking about 2 who've lost their spouses recently. I can't imagine what they'll go through this year without the love of their lives. I pray God will give them the strength to get through the day and that they'll be surrounded by other family members or friends who will love on them throughout the day. 

My parents, no longer with us

There's so much build up to Christmas each year. All the commercialism contributes greatly to it. People spend so much time, energy, and money to do the best they can to have a nice holiday often to the point of it becoming stressful. It's like a great crescendo of expectation and then, as the day winds down and they get ready to face the day after Christmas, a feeling of overwhelming despair hits them. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we always need something to look forward to? 

I know several people who live from event to event. I don't know how they do it. What I'm finding, as I slide closer to 70, is that just making it from one day to the next is enough to celebrate. 

My sweet friend, Jack

And social media really contributes to a lot of holiday depression, don't you agree? Seeing everyone's "perfect" gatherings, happy families, and posts about how wonderful their lives are present a standard not many can live up to. Sometimes I get so tired of it. I've taken month long Facebook fasts to remove my self from the fakeness many times but as the year draws to a close, I may delete my account entirely. I don't really want to do it because that is one way I can keep up with distant family members and old highschool friends, but gee whiz...is it worth it? 

I'm thankful I have a place to vent now and then. At least I can do that and spewing venom helps me stay sane. 

I'm sure we'll have a wonderful day this Christmas, we normally do and the kids always bring such a marvelous energy with them when they come. I love that. 

Tomorrow evening, our church will host a candlelight Christmas Eve service, I'm sure that will help push these early feelings of despair away, gathering for corporate worship always helps put the silver lining back in my cloudy sky.

So come on and ring those bells, light the Christmas tree, Jesus is the King...born for you and me. And if you're struggling a little bit, like I am this year, give yourself grace. Christmas isn't just a day, it's a heart felt sentiment that should carry us throughout the year, especially if you're a believer in Jesus Christ! 

Have a Happy Christmas!