Three Timeless Treasures from Christmas Tradition

Yes yes, I know. It’s that time of year. Tis’ the season and all that. Though Christmas is my favorite holiday, It’s sad that more and more big corporations seek to make money off of it. It makes sense that less people seem to be enjoying the holiday every year. The essence of Christmas is getting lost.  

Sure, we can enjoy days away from work or school, but revisiting the true reason for it helps us wade through the commercialism and get to the heart of what matters.  Here I want to share three timeless treasures we can reclaim from Christmas tradition.

1. Giving

So many times giving goes hand in hand with getting. “What did you get your mom for Christmas?” or “What did you ask for?” Of course, giving is a cause-and-effect thing, but I want us to think of it as a selfless act.  
 
Giving of ourselves to someone who will benefit from our generosity or sacrifice helps not only the other person, but us. We learn not to be possessive of material things that waste away in the end. 
 
How often do we give something without any expectation of getting anything back? Like donating funds to a non-profit with no intention of claiming it on your taxes.  
 
How often do we volunteer our time for an event or to visit an ill person?  
 
How about donating our resources? One example is to send contacts or information if we hear of someone changing careers or facing some other life change. Even spreading the word on a new business can tremendously help an entrepreneur. 
 
Giving, no matter the form, is valuable to both involved, especially when it comes from the heart.  

 2. Reflecting on the year

We’ve been told to count our blessings or to be grateful for the small things. Still, many discount how important this practice really is.  
 
Personally, when certain situations are finally over, I tend to block them out and not revisit them anymore. This skews my perception and I have a distorted view of what I’ve been through. I sometimes forget to be thankful for the hard things I’ve been able to overcome, and the support that helped me through. When I take time to keep my gratitude journal. It helps to keep things focused.  
 
Nearing the end of the year, it is a good time to reflect on events, people that have impacted you, and plans that may or may not have worked out. No one can say that their lives are all good or all bad. However, accepting the fact that every part, our choices included, has acted to mold you into who you are today. This is a sign of emotional maturity. 
 
I encourage you to take a few moments and reflect on how far you’ve come this year. Take note of the progress you’ve made and the tough things that tried your faith, and very sanity. You’re better for it!  

 3. We have hope
 

It is painfully obvious that we have to take the good with the bad. Sometimes it is simply good to know we are not alone. No matter the struggle, you can bet someone somewhere has gone through something similar.  
 
This is why I love support and small groups, but that is a topic for another day. Stay tuned. 
 
This brings us to the greatest hope of all. We were given eternal life through the gift that is Jesus Christ, the real reason we celebrate. No matter what we may face, we can rest in the assurance and comfort that we are never alone and there will be a better day. 
 
 
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV) 

Enjoy your holiday and celebrate it in a way that is meaningful.