A New Kind of Christmas Day

Our first Christmas Day alone. No kids, no grandkids. Our Christmas tree is looking kind of sad, two strings of lights had gone out a week ago, leaving a couple of rings unlit around the middle. Then the top section (it’s artificial) won’t stay straight so it tips to the right. The only thing under it is our snoozing cat. The presents have all been opened and the wrapping tossed in the garbage.

We had to celebrate early this year due to everyone’s busy schedules. I cleaned, cooked, wrapped and shopped for days in preparation. Making all the arrangements for who would be here when, took calls and texts and more calls. I felt like I was organizing a large charity event.

Now I sit on the couch, bundled up with my favorite blanket, watching the President’s cup on the Golf Channel. Does it seem like Christmas Day? Well, no. But what does Christmas Day feel like? Gone are the days of the excitement of presents, food and Christmas visitors. Those are the thrills now left for the children in my life. 

My childhood has past, and with it have gone the childlike building anticipation and mystery of the day. I no longer have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head – it’s more like a check list of things to get done before the first foot steps through my door. And I don’t worry anymore if I’ve been naughty or nice – no time for that.

I do notice, however, that I think more and more about the realities of what Christ did for us on this wondrous day. I find more pleasure in pondering the divine than I do trying to guess who bought me what. 

Things change, People change. Even Christmas changes. But the sacrifice of gaining an earthly home so we could have one in heaven never ceases to amaze me. Jesus made Christmas special this year – and will for all the years and centuries to come.

Am I disappointed about spending the day alone? Nope. I know better. Family comes and goes, but the significance of the day remains forever. How could I be disappointed?