Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Recapture the Christmas magic
Take a deep breath with me. No, seriously, actually do it. Better yet, close your eyes and breathe deeply in through your nose and slowly back out through your mouth. Repeat.
Now think back with me…
Remember when Christmas was magical? Remember when everything seemed more festive? More exciting? More sacred? Remember when even stoplights seemed special with their red and green, just like the song says?
WHAT HAPPENED??
I don’t think I’m alone in wanting that back. Of course, time marches on, and the more carefree days of Christmas as a kid don’t line up with the hectic Christmas obligations of adulthood. But our elder generations managed it, so why can’t we? They made Christmas special, even though they worked jobs. They made Christmas exciting, even though they had chores to do. They made Christmas magic.
How did they manage to do that? Of course, the obvious reason is often the correct one. They slowed down this time of year. For the most part, everyone did. But more importantly, they were intentional.
So how do we, in 2015, slow down? How do we become intentional this year? How can we recapture the Christmas magic?
- Bring back traditions: As adults now, we’ve abandoned some traditions we did as kids because we are too busy, or the tradition is complicated, or we don’t see the point in it. And that’s okay. If you can’t resurrect a tradition you had, create a new one. Find something special to do and give it the proper amount of time and attention to make it truly special.
- Carve out breathing room: If you have to, say no to some invitations. If you could find time to attend a party, you can find time to spend with your family instead.
- Look beyond yourself: Countless families cite spending time – and even a little money – helping others during the Christmas season as one of the ways they keep the magic of Christmas going. Visit lonely elders, anonymously drop off a Christmas care package, go caroling in a retirement home, be involved with a church or community outreach effort, donate warm clothing to those in need. The list is nearly as endless as the joy sharing love and care brings.
- Electronics black out: Go an entire day – or even a weekend if you can – without electronics of any kind. Instead, plan to watch old holiday classics, make Christmas treats, visit with family or friends and actually talk (instead of everyone being on their phones), play board or card games, visit a Christmas tree farm and just savor being in nature, drive around viewing Christmas light displays, or sing Christmas carols while enjoying hot cocoa. Whatever you choose, the point is to be truly present, to be truly engaged in what you’re doing and with whom you are spending time.
- Let others help: Don’t try to do everything alone. It only stresses you out and destroys the magic of Christmas for you and everyone around you. I don’t recall sitting around idle while my parents and grandparents did every detail of Christmas. Do you? Put on some Christmas tunes, get the family involved, and accomplish what needs doing together.
- Let it go, let it go: Decide what really has to happen – what is really important – and what isn’t. Not everything has to be perfect and elaborate. Simple and heartfelt is just as good. If something completely stresses you out, why are you doing it? Let it go.
- Adjust your expectations: Think back to what you remember about Christmas as a child. Do you recall perfect cookies, an immaculate home, and a picture-perfect tree? Probably not. In reality, you probably remember the people more than the stuff. And if, in your child eyes, things were “perfect” – they likely weren’t. But you remember them that way because you saw the magic and wonder of Christmas in everything. Things don’t have to be perfect to be magical. They simply have to be.
- Put Christ back in Christmas: Now, I know not everyone has the same belief system I do – but I couldn’t end without saying this from my heart. Take the time to feed your spirit by not only reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas – but by also doing a bit of research about the meaning and origin of common Christmas symbols and songs. Not all of them are religious, but many are, offering a more sacred viewpoint of this beautiful, blessed season of Christmas magic.
