Find ways to keep the true spirit of Christmas alive
"Go into all the world and preach the good news ..."
- Mark 16:15 (NIV)
Signs shimmer and shine with the words "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings." Frosty the Snowman strikes a pose with his top hat and cute, carrot nose and Santa grabs our attention with his red suit and cottony, white whiskers.
Perfectly wrapped packages with glittery, gold paper and beautiful bows appear in ads, tempt us to shop 'til we drop at every bargain in town.
Sometimes we hear the word "holiday" so much that we become numb to what the season truly is about. That's why, at this time of the year, it's important we keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.
Don't get me wrong. I love the holiday gatherings with family and friends and the grab bag gifts and presents under the tree. Even the excitement of shopping for that special someone in our lives can add some festivity to the occasion.
But there's something more important behind the hustle, bustle and holiday excitement - it's the celebration of Christ's birth.
One of the ways, I think, we keep this spirit of Christmas alive is by staying mindful through the use of our traditional decorations and the symbolism they can bring.
As we string the lights on the tree, we can embrace the reason for the season and the purpose for our gift-giving by playing some carols. One of my adult sons enjoys hearing the lyrics to the traditional carols sung by choirs as well as the current holiday tunes.
Among my favorite nostalgic childhood memories are those antique plastic Santas and snowmen we all remember and love, because they speak of our playful side of the season.
But beyond these fun things, I recall my neighbors really found a way to express the meaning with their display of the Nativity scene. Even as a child, there was something that made my heart just a little bit lighter whenever I viewed the beauty of the sacred infant swaddled in the manger with his parents by his side.
It warmed my spirit on a cold winter night with the thoughts that God cared enough to send this family in order to reconcile us and our families to Him.
I believe there's something mystical about placing these scenes alongside, or in place of, our winter wonderland scenes. Using them can be a way we share with others the reason we celebrate and share with our children the holiness of the holiday.
A friend wears a rhinestone "Merry Christmas" pin, which not only makes a flashy fashion statement, but catches the attention of everyone she encounters. She's like a shimmering fashionista wishing everyone she sees a blessed Christmas.
I believe wearing a pin, sending a card or posting the words Merry Christmas is a way of keeping our focus and spreading the good news of the holiday.
So with a few significant traditions and thoughts, we can joyfully display the true meaning of Christmas.
• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach, nurse and Bible teacher. Annettee is available to speak to your church group, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.