Looking back at our Christmas memories, the ones that warm my heart were not the picture-perfect Martha Stewart Christmases. Our most precious memories of what Christmas is truly about were what you might call the Christmas disasters.
A Relatively Minor Christmas Disaster
Martha Stewart wasn’t a thing when I was a young mom. But that didn’t stop me from going to all kinds of crazy at Christmas. Shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, sending holiday greetings; I accomplished all the details on my list except one…joy!
You know; the Reason for the Season?
But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!”
Luke 2:10 TPT
One year when the kids were very young stands out in my memory. We went to bed in the wee hours after assembling the latest toys, placing them under the tree, and eating Santa’s cookies.
During the night we heard the pitter patter of little feet and big feet on their way to the bathroom. By Christmas morning all four of us were down for the count. It was the flu.
We cancelled Christmas and sat around in our pj’s all day. I have no idea what we ate, food didn’t interest us much. By the end of that day we all agreed this was a wonderful Christmas anyway!
A Relatively Major Christmas Disaster
Another year, just 4 years ago was also what you might call a Christmas Disaster, but a much more serious one.
December 15, 2015 found us at the emergency room with my mom. She had a major stroke, and they didn’t expect her to live until January. Christmas Eve found us moving her to a facility and into hospice.
My few Christmas preparations had to be it for that year. We had much more important things to attend to. But our kids rallied around us and turned what could have been a dismal celebration into a sweet, comforting gathering.
Our son and daughter wrapped each others presents (amazingly I had finished Christmas shopping early that year!). They filled the pantry with groceries, cooked, cleaned, and stood by our sides in the hospital. My husband drove to Pittsburgh and back to bring his dad to join us. Our son-in-law even ironed our clothes (who knew he could iron?)
Even though it was a very difficult time for us, we felt the warmth and comfort of loving family so strongly.
Overcome Christmas Disasters with Gratitude
Over the years I’ve stopped doing a lot of the crazy at Christmas. I want to focus more on the incredible gift God gave us in the birth of our Savior.
The celebrations are so much more joyful when gratitude fills my heart. And there is so much to be grateful for! Here’s a list to get you started in expressing gratitude.
This year relive good memories. Laugh at Christmas disasters together. Admit if you are a hot mess, and if you are, cross everything off your to do list that hasn’t gotten done by now. It’s ok. Really!
God gave us the capacity to produce joy when we practice gratefulness. Here are some verses to get your mind focused.
This is the very day of the Lord that brings gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee.
Psalms 118:24 TPT
A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression.
Proverbs 15:13 TPT
Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home.
Romans 12:12-13 TPT
Merry Christmas, friends!