Celebrating Christmas When Christmas Isn’t Very Merry

As I rush about, trying to find the perfect gift for the last person on my Christmas list, as I put stamps on the envelopes that hold our family Christmas cards, as I plan the meal our family will devour on Christmas Day and as I make the reservation at our local Japanese Steakhouse for Christmas Eve, I’m struck by the fact that some people might be struggling during this season while I’m bouncing about being festive and cheery.

We have several close friends and family members that will be tackling this holiday season without a loved one sharing
it with them because of a recent loss. There are others who are walking through the stages of a terminal illness, trying to figure out what life will look like in the next few weeks or months. We have other people in our lives who don’t have family nearby and will be alone on Christmas Day while everyone around them is celebrating with their families. There are people who look at their Facebook accounts and see nothing but the happy faces of people they know but who are internally hurting for one reason or another. Christmas isn’t always a cheerful, celebratory season for some people and some of those people might be doing life right alongside you and you might not even realize it.

I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer this holiday season but I do want to point out that all of us might need to be more mindful of the people we know who might be struggling. I don’t want to get so caught up in the Christmas Crazies that I don’t acknowledge their hurt, sorrow or needs.

So what can we do about this?

Maybe we need to simply extend an invitation to someone so they won’t be all alone.

Maybe we need to offer to do some shopping or wrapping for someone who is feeling overwhelmed.

Maybe we just need to acknowledge the fact that they are struggling and let them know it’s ok.

Maybe we need to include someone in our family traditions, even if that seems like a sacred space.

Maybe we need to make a phone call or write a note to someone to let them know we’re thinking of them.

Maybe we just need to listen or give a hug.

Maybe we need to gently nudge someone to participate in holiday festivities without bombarding them or forcing them to participate.

Maybe we need to slow down long enough to realize that there are people in our lives that might need some encouragement this season.

Maybe we need to stop and think about the fact that while Christmas can be full of rejoicing, celebrating, fun and laughter it can also bring feelings of loneliness, regret and depression.

Despite the fact that Christmas can bring about a mixed bag of emotions, I do need to point out the fact that we all have a reason to celebrate because of a baby that was born in a manger, who was sent to rescue us all, who covered us all with the pain and death He suffered on our behalf. Christ understands pain better than anyone else. He weeps when we hurt. He loves us and will help us through the toughest of times. So, even if you’re struggling this season, there’s hope in Christ and that’s reason to celebrate, even if the world we live in is a bit discouraging.

David and I wish you a wonderful Christmas, even if it doesn’t seem very Merry. Christmas Day will soon arrive, I pray that you will find a reason to see and experience pure joy knowing that our Savior loves you more than you can imagine.