Celebrating the Christmas Season

Even though the weather may not have showed it just yet, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the best time of the year! Therefore, it is certainly the right time for celebrating.  Without a doubt, the Christmas season is now in full effect.  The madness of Black Friday, an event held exactly one day (and this year not even that long) after we take time to demonstrate what we are most thankful for, is now a distant memory.  I recently read a quote which is sad, but true: “Only in America do people not even twenty-four hours after spending time expressing our gratitude and thankfulness for what we have, do we attack department stores for sales like we have no sense of what the Christmas season is all about."   

Celebrating the Christmas season probably has all fathers rejoicing, I may be saying that tongue in cheek.  This is truly the only season of the year in which there is no ducking the chores.  There is no escaping the cutting and the lighting of the tree.  There is no way around stringing the lights, blowing fuses and taking lessons on how to properly decorate your home from the movie Christmas Vacation. You do all of this attempting to have the ultimate display that will make your wife, kids and neighbors so proud.   Awww yes, the Christmas spirit is here. Now that I know you are all in the spirit, we can all begin to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. As fathers we all teach the true meaning as well right? 

How do you make time with your family to celebrate the season?  How do you make time to share what the Christmas season is really all about?  I recently read that more people have heard the meaning of Christmas from Linus, the character from Peanuts, than from anybody else.  Reading that statement really peaked my interest.  Thank goodness for YouTube.  A quick search and there it was.  A great explanation was ringing in my ears, over and over.  This year, as you watch the classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, pay particular attention as Linus shares the greatest story of all.  Take notice that he puts aside his ever-present security blanket… the only time I can ever recall seeing in the comic strip he ever does so.  Certainly if Linus has the courage to put aside his must have blanket, we can all take the time and put aside our insecurities, our complaints and invest in the celebration of what Christmas is about.  It's about making time for the ultimate birthday celebration.  It’s about sharing lessons of laughter and love for your family and friends. 

Our family likes to spend time together watching all the Christmas classics.  Tremendous family time is enjoyed watching such classics as Rudolph, Frosty, 'Twas the Night before Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town to name just a few.  In addition to the shows, Kendall and Reese particularly enjoy baking the cookies and cutting the vegetables for Santa's reindeer in anticipation of the big night.  We also like to take drives to view the lights and sounds of the season.

 While the Christmas season is now in full swing, the four of us have taken time to really evaluate our needs and wants.  For our lists to be made, we make it routine to inventory what we already may have.  This first weekend in December has become a family tradition in our home.  This practice has us spending time sorting through our gently used toys and in some cases toys we have outgrown, getting them ready to be donated.  Gretchen and I take great pride in teaching our children the value of serving others.  This has already made the Christmas season very special.  It makes us tremendously proud of our children, who over the last several years have hopefully made an impact in other children's homes with their generosity.

No-matter how you look at the Christmas season, no matter how you celebrate it, be sure to share the spirit of giving with your children so the spirit and magic of Christmas stays with us all!  

Here’s wishing your family the Merriest Christmas yet!  Take time to celebrate the season!

Monthly Quote: Despite the best intentions and preparation, NOTHING can fully prepare you for the meaning and responsibilities of fatherhood.  You have to live it to understand it. – unknown

Monthly Challenge:  Inventory your wants and needs.  Make it a point to share the spirit of Christmas with those around you by choosing an activity of service for your neighborhood or community.  Set a daily goal to wish at least five people Merry Christmas during the season.

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