It is so amusing and sometimes mildly annoying when people chatter mindlessly about the Christmas season.
"Are you ready for Christmas?" for instance from the girl at the supermarket. The guy at the coffee shop near the beach this morning was most vexed and distressed about the whole thing. Carols in the park interupting the "locals" parking spots, (Funny that most who attend will be from the area anyhow and his takings will double?) How very selfish of those annoying, cheery, festive christmas folk! What do these people really mean and do they even think about the words they utter?
I guess they mean, madly running around the shops and preparing relish, rum balls and ridiculous amounts of food and drink to be consumed in only a few short hours. Buying gift after gift and frantically going to the stores for "one last time" when the need arises to purchase a reciprical gift for an unexpected giver!
Don't misunderstand me....I am a big, big fan of christmas gifts and I love to both give and receive. Our family has tried various noble attempts at forgoing gifts to focus more on the true meaning.........sadly it was a dull Christmas and we decided on a return to gifts the following year. In fact, there are rumors of excessive presents all round next year as we will all finally be together that day.
This year, as we have two small babies in the house, it will be a quiet day for us. No fussy lunch, no barrels of bikkies, no eggnog or rumballs. I have even not sent a single card!
After all, shouldn't we give freely, love deeply and celebrate daily on this journey of life?
I have realised that this year, the only thing to be ready for, is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, saviour of all who answer his call.
A novel depiction of the real reason we celebrate.
