Four days until Christmas!
Some are uttering a sigh of relief because the Christmas pageants are over; the shopping is complete; the house is neat. Others are in a serious frenzy because there is little time left to prepare.
Think for a moment about Christmas past. When you recall years gone by, what are your favorite Christmas memories? On my Facebook page, I recently asked people to think about a memory from Christmas past. Here are some of their responses:
"We were able to surprise and share with our family that they were going to be grandparents, aunts and uncles." Raley
"The first time we went into the woods and watched our dad cut our Christmas tree it was huge. When we took it home, we made popcorn strings with cranberries for decorations and cut stars out of construction paper. We thought it was the most beautiful tree in the world." Carole
"I went into labor with my daughter, who turns 18 this Christmas." Laurie
"I was a teenager and had my first experience with helping someone else have a good Christmas." Sandy
"My brothers and I, dressed in our Christmas pajamas, got in front of our sliding glass doors and pretended to be mechanical elves building toys. Cars stopped in front of our house to see if we were real or not. It was so much fun for us." Elaine
"The power went out and we huddled around the fireplace in blankets and played board games. My husband and my father cooked the turkey by hacking it to pieces and deep-fat frying it on the grill. We cheered EPB very enthusiastically when they got to our street on Christmas Eve." Stacy
"The year we were on a trip in the Holy Land. I was 5 years old and I met Jesus for the first time in Bethlehem. Powerful memories of that Christmas." Kathy
"My mom was alive. She gave the best holiday parties and truly embraced the spirit. I miss her dearly." Whitney
Did you notice anything? Not one person talked about technology, presents or celebrating the clean house. Every single memory had something to do with meaningful relationships.
For many people, Christmas is one of the most special days of the year. Not because of the presents, but because it is a day to spend with loved ones celebrating the birth of Jesus. Before you lose your cool over what isn't complete, take a deep breath and consider this: In spite of the lists of stuff people say they want, the most meaningful gifts can't be purchased at the store.
As you gather with family and friends this week, instead of focusing on the toy you couldn't find, what would have made the day better or the relative that just won't behave, consider asking every person to share their favorite Christmas memory. In doing so, you are sharing the past with your children and grandchildren. Plus, memories have a way of making you smile, laugh and remember the true meaning of this season.
As you celebrate, remember you are creating a memory. You never know, in years to come it might be a favorite for someone.
Merry Christmas!
Julie Baumgardner is the president and CEO of First Things First. Contact her at julieb@firstthings.org.