Christmas can be a highly stressful season, or it can be a season of calm reflection, depending on how much value an individual places on the original meaning versus modern perspectives. Stress can be triggered by a sense of obligation to participate in gift giving and festivities, or elevated expectations to compete with others for attention.
Sometimes, children feel unworthy if they can’t offer a certain gift, or they might feel envious if a sibling receives a “better” gift than they received. Some adults even act this way, but most folks don’t worry as much about what they give or receive as they mature. Indeed, the Bible tells us that it’s better to give than to receive, so not expecting gifts can be liberating to those who give material gifts or gifts of shared time.
Christmas derives from the words Christ and Mass, or the religious celebration in a church ceremony of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem. Growing up, I remember that sometimes we would attend midnight Mass early Christmas morning. Later, we would have some breakfast with hot chocolate and open our presents under the evergreen tree.
Christ’s birth was foretold by the prophets, and three wise men from the East came to Bethlehem bearing gifts for Jesus. This likely is the event that generated the tradition of gift-giving during the Christmas season. There are too many traditions to mention that have evolved around the Christmas theme, but there’s a common element of generosity. During the throes of World War I, on Dec. 25, 1914, there was a truce among the adversaries that lasted in some areas until New Year’s Day. It was a brief reprieve in a devastating war.
Unfortunately, it has been reported that the birthplace of Jesus is a ghost town this year because of the Hamas–Israel conflict. Festivities aren’t being held, although some church services will continue. Most years, tourists populate the area to vicariously experience what it might have been like more than 2,000 years ago when the shepherds followed the angel’s call to visit Jesus, Joseph, and Mary in the humble stable in Bethlehem.
Now that the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah), which is an important holiday season for Jewish folks, has wrapped up, the Christmas season has ramped up full-steam ahead. However, instead of surrendering to the anxiety and stress of planning events and shopping, there are some practical steps one can take to embrace the season in a more relaxed manner.
First, explore the meaning of Christmas beyond the crass commercialism of the season. Attend a church service that delivers a sermon about the birth of Jesus and join in with hymns such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Contemplate the reason for the season, such as why Jesus came into the world. Although the Jews looked forward to a Messiah, and the Romans feared the arrival of another king, Jesus was no earthly political leader or king. He would become a spiritual warrior who came to redeem fallen humanity.
Next, although there are plenty of predictable Hallmark movies, try to catch a classic film such as one of the many versions of “A Christmas Carol” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” 180 years ago, and it’s a remarkable story of desperation, greed, love, and ultimate redemption in 1843 England. It offers lessons on compassion, faith, hope, and generosity, similar in ways to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which plays out in New England in the mid-20th century.
Third, don’t pressure yourself to send Christmas cards or presents to everyone you know. Focus on the people who mean the most in your life and freely give without expecting anything in return. If you do receive gifts, express gratitude regardless of whether they’re elaborate or not. This is a graceful form of appreciation for other human beings.
Fourth, spending quality time with family and friends is a normal activity, but make sure you resist the desire to overindulge in drinks or food, because it can adversely impact your physical health. Obviously, don’t drink and drive, as that could put an abrupt halt to any festivities and ruin the holidays.
Fifth, while politics and religion are important facets of human existence, try to avoid arguments that encompass these topics around Christmas. It’s a time of forgiveness, cherishing the company of loved ones, and generosity of the human spirit. It can also be a perfect time to catch up on reading or tackling a new book that enhances one’s intellectual and spiritual journey as you gear up for the year ahead.
Finally, try something new this year. As an alternative to the anxiety of pleasing others all the time, participate in volunteering to assist folks who have needs and are struggling to survive in a competitive world. Supporting reputable charities is also a win-win situation. We can also pray for greater global liberty and peace in 2024. Merry Christmas to all, and have a healthy, joyous year to come.
