Christmas Spirit

As of writing this post, as the holiday times grow closer, as Christmas approaches, there always seems to be a pressure. On delivering and getting good presents. On having the best your family could ask for. Fulfilling all their wishes and getting all the present they wish to get. All to see the smile on their faces come Christmas morning.

But as I read through a Bible reading plan, as I’ve read posts, and pondered this idea more, I want to bring a little peace.

Being a 21-year-old, as of this post, there have been Christmas’s where my parents have straight up said, it was going to be a light Christmas. Mainly due some financial troubles that arise. I came with understanding and said it’s fine. Especially as I got older because the thing is, presents were always the things I wanted. I found myself wanting to give more than to ever receive. Because as my parents sat down every Christmas with us, no matter the amount of presents under the tree, they always delivered in one way or another. They always watched us open our presents. Always savored the moments of joy we got to experience as we saw what my siblings and I received from them.

Something I understood as I gave back to them. Getting excited for them to see what they could receive. What they got. I was happy to even be able to give something to them, whether I bought it or happen to make something.

Which made me appreciate my parents. For always trying and showing up no matter the season they were in. No matter what their jobs or income looked like. See, in this season, wherever you stand, bring what you can. Bring the best of that. It doesn’t mean get a hundred presents, bring the best of you. Presents are great but they aren’t the only deciding factor in Christmas.

It’s simply giving. To offer something of value. Perhaps its your effort. In providing the smallest things. In giving them a good experience. In going out and spending quality time, which is always the greatest present of all. You don’t need this pressure of giving the best and priciest present, give the best you can. Show up with a smile and with joy this Christmas that could have been lost. For Christmas was about giving, for it was the time God gave the world His son, it was the time where Jesus was born and given into this world to do so much for us.

So for this Christmas, give. Give love, joy, happiness, maybe even peace for a moment. They were gifts bestowed on us, so give that. For it may mean more than you could ever know.

And if you need some, say a little prayer. It doesn’t need to some big, out there prayer, just one of the heart. For God knows the desires of your heart and is simply waiting to be asked. For if you ask, you shall receive. Or send a little message, you aren’t alone.

And remember, sometimes you just need to take a deep breathe, because you got this. God is with you.