The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day One


Twelve days of Christmas! Not really my cup of tea. However, remembering good times is a great depression getaway for me so, for the next twelve days, I would like to share some stories about some good christmases from my past. I hope and pray that you will be entertained and encouraged by these stories and that you will find new ways this year to find joy in this stressful season.

 But before I get into story telling let's get one thing straight - how Christmas originated in the first place.


Well, we all know that Christmas can be a difficult season for many people, for a lot of different reasons. And certainly the TV shows all dolled up pretty, the ads, the stores, the happy holiday songs put a lot of pressure on people to 'get with the program, get happy, shop, cook, drive around all over visiting relatives and friends, etc. etc. etc. etc.' Who can measure up to that? Added to that pressure for the Christian is that we must fit extra church activities into the mix!

The solution is this: find out what Christmas is all about and how it got started! The festival which we now call Christmas was started long before Christ was born. Many countries would have their own festivals at this time of year, marking the winter solstice. The festivities would include many of the things we still do today, lights, parades, decorated trees, and other traditions. 

 The Christians were not to be outdone by the rest of the world and so added Christ to these sorts of festivals and there you have it! Christmas! No one knows for sure when Christ was born but the church in Rome decided to set a date for that celebration, and December 25th was chosen.

 So, if you can't 'get into it' don't feel badly. It is just a festival. Pick the parts you like and throw the rest of it out the window! Set your own standards. Style your own Christmas to suit you and your family!

 Understanding what the Christmas season is all about (just a festival) will guard you, and release you from some of the pressures. Using your discretion at this time of year will protect you from too much spending, too much eating, too much socializing, and just 'too much' everything!

 For the next few blogging days before Christmas I am going to share some things I like about Christmas and some fun little Christmas stories from my past.

 In the meantime let me encourage you Christians out there who are feeling pressured to "remember the REAL meaning of Christmas".... don't feel badly. If you ARE a christian already, you are not MORE of a Christian at Christmas than any other time of the year. 

 Christ does not all of a sudden become important at Christmas, he is important all the time. We celebrate what he means to us each and every day, not just one day of the year!

 WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Do you enjoy Christmas? Do you have some good memories? Care to share one? Or is Christmas something you dread? If yes, you are not alone.

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.






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