Today for Thankful Thursdays, I am thankful for… the Christmas Season.
When the 1st of December rolls around like it does today, there is this shift. Do you know the one I am talking about? Yes it might be because here in Australia it is the first day of summer and many are dreaming of beach holidays and cooling refreshments (while I am dreaming of aircon and freezing cold countries to visit), but I believe the shift is around a sense of JOY.
There is a lightness that takes over each person that celebrates the Christmas Season. Excitement builds, people are joyous, the act of giving ignites and the end of the working year is on the horizon. Holidays!!! For those that are fortunate to have living family, we feel blessed to share this fun time with those that we love (particularly children whose excitement at this time is infectious). The season sees us also dusting off and settling into “tradition” (in what ever capacity tradition means for you).
For me this season has always been my favourite! All my working life Christmas was my responsibility and I took on that responsibility with open arms. Christmas parties, social gatherings, present organizing, secret santas, card writing (and card giving), decorations… oh so many decorations! On the home front it was more social planning, lots of booze and Christmas dinners, cooking and a great deal of spending! Christmas has always brought out lots of American and English movies, Bing Crosby records on play, an obsession with gift wrapping and my annual “the year that was” reflective newsletter usually involving lots of photos from trips overseas.
The last few years I feel like I have lost that beautiful love affair I have always had with Christmas. The Christmas Cheer responsibility lifted off my shoulders and replaced with bills to pay, medical appointments and expenses, and a single income has meant that gift giving had to become inventive. It has also brought about a shift in mindset. This is my first Christmas in three years where I’m not on some form of cancer treatment! Hallelujah!
What I’ve come to realize is that as much fun as all the festivities are, there is a deeper meaning behind the season than the material items that comes with it (even as fun as it all is and yes I love to participate!)… Christmas is a time for joy, kindness and giving and it’s also a time where we share our thanks. In our local community a beautiful food drive is being organized for families less fortunate in our suburb. And the support is phenomenal! There are so many people who do it tough, be it through hardship, illness or readjustment and as the Christmas Season commences on this day it makes me thankful that we all have the power in ourselves to bring joy to another person (or animal’s) life just through selfless acts of giving, kindness and love.
What are you thankful for today dear Naked and how are you celebrating the Christmas Season?
With love, light and bundles of gratitude xx
