The Christmas season is upon us and we can feel it. Soon, the buying and slaughtering and frying will begin to happen. Some Christmas clothes have already been bought, meat already planned for and all the frying ingredients. You can be sure most families have this settled already. Who wouldn't like to have a good and filled Christmas celebration?
Beyond the above family preparations, there's another layer where as individuals we have our plans. Perhaps, together with friends. On what? Places to visit, activities to do, fun things to explore and all sorts to make a memorable and enjoyable time. Or so we think. This is because in the end, we could be left with a lot of physical, financial and/or mental exhaustion, or exhaustion in other forms.
Some hacks for this Christmas period would be helpful. Be it financially, mentally or even security-wise. One of such would be to spend within our means. This I believe has been reiterated countless times. Yet, you can be sure to find individuals and families falling victim. My Church drama unit has always tried to remind the congregation about the implications of doing otherwise.
Looking at it, one of the pressing months in January lies just ahead. So, after the merriment comes what? Emptiness and brokenness I guess. This is it then, we should do well to spend within our means. You can't afford to buy enough meat, so buy the little you can. If you don't have enough for chin chin, leave it out or do the little you can. I was telling my mom that if we can't celebrate Christmas with meat, then let's do it with fish. No reason to be stressed or oppressed.
Can I also say that Christmas clothes aren't a must? Yes, of course. Maybe a big deal for the kids, but it shouldn't be for a grown-up or adult. We can find one of our best wears, iron it and look good on that day. Christmas is beyond all of these things, and when we see it that way, it will help us more; financially and mentally. But yes, do it well if you have the means. It shouldn't be a sort of competition or battle.
Let me say this boldly; do not be oppressed or even feel like you would be. I know there are so many fun-filled activities planned for this period and you could be a part of one or two. The thing is, don't be worked up or even overly excited to want to show your face by any means. And anywhere that poses a security threat should be where you avoid. Yes, we want to catch the fun but we shouldn't have it at the expense of our lives.
I'll say that we stay away from extravagant celebrations. I know how it looks where I am, but I know it's worse in other places. Perhaps in your place. I've seen reckless driving/riding, reckless partying that leaves many with a lot of security concerns. In my opinion, attend carols, visit friends, have some hangouts or reunions in good environments and at a good time. And importantly, bless someone during Christmas. Yes, bless someone.
The celebration is for a season, but the significance is for a lifetime. The problem is that the essence of Christmas is constantly diminishing, turning into a highlight of buying, eating, drinking and no sober reflection on the birth of the saviour who came to redeem humanity to God. The essence should be found in the weight of reflection, not in the volume of celebration. I hope these help out in some way.
Images are mine.