I've mentioned it before, I am quite a sentimental human being. On top of that, I get just as excited when holidays come around as I'm sure any kid (I thank my Daddy for that). We decorate to the ultimate degree (5 or 6 Christmas trees in the house growing up), but, that isn't what I want to especially address today. See, lately, I've heard way too many times that "Holidays are just another day of the year." Or "I'm too busy with work." or "Live too far away." or "We just don't get along to spend holidays together." And honestly, this saddens me more than I can imagine.
First, Holidays. I'm talking Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, the whole shebang are all based on something. Easter isn't just another day, it is the celebration of the rising of our Lord from the tomb. Thanksgiving, celebration of thanks for all of our blessings in this country. Christmas, the birth of our Savior (even though it has been secularized into Santa and other customs, there is a spiritual beginning). Fourth of July, our freedom. And so on, and so on. So, to say they are just another day is, well, negating anything of any belief. And honestly, that is sad that you have to think that way and there is no joy in your life to celebrate something.
Secondly, and really my secondary belief, is that holidays are for families. They are supposed to all get together and just enjoy each other. Now, my family is a prime example of how we are scattered near and far. But, I can tell you that my most treasured memories are those that we drove the 14 hours to South Georgia every year to spend with family at each holiday. Also, it is a time where people need to mature up a little and get over bitterness or grudges. How hard is it to put things behind you for a few hours or a few days to truly be able to enjoy family and make memories? I mean, I am not asking you to be best friends with every single person in your family, but don't act like we are in high school and ignore or not show up because one person made you upset 10 years ago by beating you in a cooking competition or stole a toy soldier from your room when you were 7. That's not what family is about. I wish my family was closer together so we could spend time more frequently together, but it just isn't that way. And our times together are just so sweet and are way too short. It is so great seeing people you don't see all year and double over laughing from memories past. Then it is sad to see those that choose not to be apart of family because of their pre-determined idea of how miserable they will be because so-and-so will be there or they are different than others. It just makes me so sad to see people hurt themselves by not coming to family events. They will not admit to it, but, loneliness is there, I am sure of it. Also, family just isn't blood relatives, but friends too. Including those that have no one close and involve them in your family is only spreading the joy that we should all have….my philosophy has always been the more the merrier! And I have to say the years we have been apart of the "Parson Family Thanksgiving" when we can't make it to our own family events has become a tradition I am going to miss.
Thirdly, food. Now, we all know that I do not lack in eating, nor anyone in my family (sorry folks). But man, that is one reason why I love my family! We have some of the best cooks in the world! And, NO ONE can be unhappy around some good cooking and amazing desserts. Have you ever seen someone eating something good that is mad? Ham, turkey, barbecue, casseroles, pies, cakes, and every side you can ever think of…I don't even attempt diets when holidays are around. If for any reason, put aside your differences and just enjoy a good meal…you may surprise yourself at how much fun you will have.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are fastly approaching as we all know. I am truly excited this year because it is my first year with my own children to enjoy it (though they won't remember one thing about it), but also because it is the first year that we will have both holidays with both sides of our families. I live for this. I love making memories and I am so excited that my children, nephews, and step-kids can have memories that will last for years to come. It's not about gifts (though I love watching the joy on people's faces as they open them), it is about the quality time with those we love and making memories with them. It is soaking in each moment so that one day, because yes, one day, someone will no longer be here to enjoy them with us and we want to remember those moments. It is laughing until tears roll down your cheeks at stories from years past. And it is watching new relationships form as a new generation arises below us.
See, the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth. God's love for us in sending his Son began a reason in of itself for us to celebrate daily. Each day isn't just "another day" they are all reasons to celebrate. But, in our world, people have set aside days where we can truly relax and commemorate those days. So, this year, I challenge you not to treat holidays as just another day or not attend a family event because someone has upset you, but embrace it all. Let yourself go and enjoy people, the ones who love you and who think you are weird and still want to be around you (whether you believe it or not). Don't let your own insecurities get to you this holiday season. Embrace your family and friends and loved ones. Make memories. It's what it's all about.
And if you need somewhere to spend holidays, know our door is always open :)
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