December ushers in a festive season of joy. But along with that joy comes nonstop activities. Is it possible to fully enjoy this season amid all the hustle and bustle?
Following are thoughts on celebrating, and balancing, this season of joy:
A Full Calendar
A packed December calendar brings joy, but also stress. Decide to set aside some time that isn’t filled with to-do’s or to-go’s. You will enjoy the season more when every moment isn’t packed with requirements and hurry.
The Juxtaposition of Happy and Sad
While December is synonymous with joy, it is also a difficult month for many. The dichotomy of joy mixed with sorrow is hard to process. Emotions don’t adhere to the calendar, coming unbidden, and sometimes, at inopportune times.
The shepherds experienced the juxtaposition of fear and joy when the angel appeared. Ultimately, joy won over fear. Likewise, despite the sorrow of missing loved ones, or the nostalgia of bygone days, allow joy to be the overarching emotion during this season. If you are struggling to experience joy, count your blessings. Give thanks for all the ways God comforts and initiates forward motion when joy lurks on the periphery.
Family Togetherness
For most, spending time with family is joyful. I am thankful that is the case for my family.
Yet, some families dread togetherness because of longstanding emotional, interpersonal struggles. Unfortunately, joy sometimes takes a back seat when family feuds are resurrected and long-ago hurts resurface.
Do what you can to ensure peaceful interactions. Avoid being an instigator of conflict, and, although challenging, respond with love when others pick at emotional scabs.
Find joy in small moments, sweet words, and warm hugs. Where joy is possible, relish it.
The Joy of Giving
I remember the year my father had a local woodworker make a grandfather clock for my mother. On Christmas Eve, my father and I set out on a clandestine mission to pick up the clock. I’ll always remember walking into the woodworking shop that frosty evening, standing close to a woodburning stove while Mr. Zyer revealed his creation. We carefully loaded the clock into the back of Daddy’s station wagon and covered it with old army blankets.
The next morning, Daddy and I brought the clock into the house before Mama was up. The joy on Mama’s face when she saw the clock is a lasting memory. Daddy and I gained equal joy watching her.
My favorite part of Christmas is sitting back watching everyone open their presents. I’m often chastised for not opening my gifts in a timely manner, but experiencing the joy of others is my favorite part of giving.
Making Time for Quiet Contemplation
Carving out time for stillness and quiet reflection requires intentionality. Myriad must-do’s flood our minds, so making room for contemplation of blessings, prayer, praise, and reflection comes only with a willingness to make it a priority.
Times of quietness provide an opportunity for God to speak, infusing us with thankfulness for His great love and the gift of His son, without whom we would be living joyless lives.
Even if you are dealing with health issues, looming unknowns, or grief, don’t allow anything to steal your joy this season.
“The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people” (Luke 2:9-10 NLV).
“And so they left, and on their way they saw the same star they had seen in the East. When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was” (Matthew 2:9-10 GNT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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