As a child, Christmases on our Nebraska farm were meager in terms of gift giving. One year my gift was a pillow, and I was thrilled! Sometimes that special box contained a pair of socks. But Christmases were always rich in love and a special sort of magic.
The magic was not in Santa Claus because my dad discouraged such frivolity. After all, why would my parents suggest sending a letter to a guy in the North Pole when they knew the requested items could not be purchased? Besides, he and Mom wanted the focus to be on what was real. And so, it was. We had lots of real family time – playing games, baking cookies, enjoying worshipful Christmas music, gathering with cousins, and playing in the snow.
Of course, the Christmas pageant at church was special. All the children played a part, but it was especially exciting when one lucky girl and one lucky boy landed the roles of Mary and Joseph. We would memorize Scripture passages and recite them aloud to the congregants, ending the program with “Silent Night.” Afterwards my Uncle George would hand out small brown bags filled with unshelled peanuts, candies, and an apple to each child. It was the best night of the year.
I loved Christmas, even though there was very little gift giving. That did not matter. I never felt slighted or unfortunate.
Fast forward to my own home, our two daughters, and Christmas. My husband and I wanted Advent to be remembered by the girls as focused preparation for the King – not harried, stressed-out, last-minute shopping, decorating, and card writing. For this reason, I usually had all the prep done before December 1st. Then our Advent was a relaxed, joyful, worshipful time together.
My point is that if you think early Christmas decorating is due to a skewed focus on what matters, to pass over an important thankfulness holiday in order to jump to the commercialization and (sometimes) me-centeredness of Christmas, you might want to reconsider. In all the years of preparing early for Christmas, we have not once been tempted to overlook Thanksgiving. Never.
While turkey and dressing are thankfully shared with family and friends in November, we are delighted to be preparing our hearts to celebrate our greatest blessing – the Advent of our Lord and Savior’s birth. His birth, death, and resurrection – the wholeness of who He is and what He has completed on our behalf – will forever remain on the top of our thankfulness list. So, to us, the two holidays are inseparable. They are the perfect fusion of all that matters.
So Merry Thanksmas! Happy Christ-giving! However you choose to say it, chances are if you see others approaching the holidays differently than you, there just might be a thoughtful purpose behind their traditions.
We wish a blessed and joyful holiday season to all.
Joy in Jesus,
Jacquee