Christmas: A Friendly Reminder

Christmas. What does that word even mean anymore?

Christmas, a time when we get stacked presents, wrapped in candy cane bows.
Christmas, a time when we slab make up on our faces, high heels higher than our egos for our family.
Christmas, a time when we try to prove to our Chinese grandma that we didn't gain weight in college.
Christmas, a time when we frantically scour the city, for presents that we hope will delight our family.
Christmas, a time when we forget what the true meaning of all this is - Christ.

I know it's cheesy, but when I think of Christmas, I try not to get so wrapped up (ha, pun) in all of it around me. I try not to expect gifts, I try not to ask for anything, and I just want to give. Give absolute everything the way this amazing little baby did on this day. Maybe it's so hard because sometimes we get so stuck in tradition, we feel comfort in the schedule of Christmas, that we forget what is most important - love.

Everything about Christmas brings happiness to most of us, but do we ever stop to think about who are behind the scenes, who aren't as happy this Christmas? I tried to this year. I thought of the people at the resturant we always eat at, serving this loud family, what they must think of us, and how they are serving us on a day where they should be with their family. I thought of those who are here for jobs, for their professions and can't go home to those traditions. I thought of the bus drivers, the waiters, the cleaners, the helpers, those who are turned away, who are lonely, who are so far away from home... from good. Lastly I thought of Juju's parents. What they must feel this Christmas. Their first Christmas without their precious child. I can't even begin to imagine how they must feel.

So then it seems clear, that we must stop. We must stop and put our lives and our problems into some perspective. I have a loving family, I have a roof on my head, I have a wonderful church, beautiful best friends, I go to this amazing school, and I have the chance to travel the world and explore what I want to do in this crazy universe. I am so excited to see what is in store, and what is ahead.

Yes, it is nice to feel loved, to get what our hearts desire but at the end of the day, I urge you to stop for a moment. I urge you to think of others, to get out of the fast paced schedule, and sit down in front of this beautiful tree, in front of this toasty fire, in front of this picture-perfect, frosted window of a snowfall... and just breathe. Breathe in all the goodness, all the gratefulness and thankfulness you have for those who love you, for whom you love, and for everything that you have. We have so so much, and sometimes we forget that.

I know you're probably sitting there rolling your eyes, thinking what does she know? And you couldn't be more right, but today I was reminded of all this. I had to snap out of the Christmas crazy bubble for a second and look back at my life. I want to look at this Christmas and think, I gave so much love, I gave so much happiness and I did everything I could.

I hope that you stopped this Christmas, I hope that you thought of others and prayed for those who aren't as lucky. I hope you get to keep this feeling of Christmas cheer and joy all throughout the year, no matter what season it is.

Juju, you're in our hearts. I love you girlie, I know you're with your family in spirit.

Merry Christmas beautiful,  I love you so much.

Oh yeah, and you're never alone. :)


                                                                                             - teeny, tiny & terrified

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