Oh, it's not fashionable.

It's so much easier to HATE Christmas.

The commericalization.
The consumerism.
The obligations.
The unreachable expectations.

Yes, I can't stand those things.

But?

It's my choice to partake in the consumerism.
It's my choice to fulfill obligations that I don't want to.
It's my choice to spend time with people I want to spend time with, to do the things I'd rather do, to set boundaries.

And when I choose right…

When I choose based on sanity and wholeness and boundaries and sovereignty…
When I respect other people by being  honest and kind…
I love the Christmas season.

Oh, I don't care a thing about the actual day.
What matters is the season. The festivity. The fun.

Christmas, when I choose it, is full of

light
joy
tradition
rarely-seen friends
relaxed travel
crafting time
cookies
family
snuggles
movies
hot chocolate

But, here's the catch:

I have to choose.

To choose the spirit of generosity over consumerism.
To choose the peace instead of the obligations.
To choose the ease instead of the struggle.

And it's not easy to choose.

Sometimes it's not all the much fun (especially when others challenge my right to make my own decisions).

But it's still mine to choose.
And it's yours.

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8 Comments on Confession: I love Christmas

  1. Kathleen Avins
    November 30, 2010 at 10:00 pm (14 years ago)

    Beautiful.

    My own metaphor that has evolved, representing everything that I love about this time of year, is: Light shining in the darkness.

    I will do my best to make sovereign, happy-making choices this holiday season. Thanks for the reminder!

  2. Kylie
    December 2, 2010 at 4:37 pm (14 years ago)

    You know what? I love it, too. Always have, even though I’m completely un-religious. For me, it’s about all that great stuff you mentioned. Last night, I had my first honey-sweetened peppermint hot chocolate of the season, and it was so divine. Happy December.

  3. Christine Myers
    December 6, 2010 at 8:24 pm (14 years ago)

    Oh, HELL yes to this! This describes my feelings exactly. Thanks for putting it into words.

  4. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 6:08 pm (14 years ago)

    Thanks, Christine, for sharing the Christmas love!

  5. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 6:11 pm (14 years ago)

    HONEY-sweetened PEPPERMINT hot chocolate?!?
    I clearly need to be sipping my hot chocolate with YOU!

    Happy December!

  6. Anonymous
    December 13, 2010 at 6:18 pm (14 years ago)

    Light shining in darkness! I love it!
    Thanks for sharing your metaphor!

  7. Rebecca @ Patterned
    December 12, 2012 at 7:43 pm (12 years ago)

    I love Christmas too!  My energy varies each year but this year I am VERY into giving gifts.  Some people feel uncomfortable but I try to explain that I am loving finding the perfect things for them.