While the Christmas Season can be a wonderful time of year--it's also a difficult time for many--and as we get older---it's always a "double-edged sword"----we miss people who are no longer with us here---or who have moved away ---our bad decisions and failures become amplified this time of year---and much of what we read and watch suggests that this time of year should be nothing but joy and fun!
This time of year can be "heavy"---so I have found some ways to focus on the joy of the season. Advent provides just that focus, a way to concentrate on the religious and spiritual elements of Christmas----which is truly what's important! Prayer --Reading positive religious stories--Religious Christmas music---those comprise my focus --particularly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Over the past 30 years or so--much as I LOVE the lights, the decorations, the music, and the television specials --Thanksgiving week would include a 50 pound weight being placed around my neck---the weight of failures and regrets and sadness in missing those important people in my life who have gone home to God.
Celebrating Advent has become a wonderful way to focus on what's important --and allows me to find joy in Christmas on many levels.
This takes nothing away from my truly celebrating Christmas throughout the year! I see Christmas as the prelude to Easter --and the two connect so closely of course. While December is a natural time to celebrate --I truly enjoy lights throughout the year--reading stories and history of Christmas throughout the year--I leave my nativity up throughout the year--and I watch holiday programs throughout the year--listen to ( primarily religious ) " Christmas songs throughout the year--and find joy in Christmas all year....for those of us who find the "weight" of Christmas expectations so heavy---the rest of the year can be so much fun!
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