‘Tis the Season

Hello Spring! If history is any guide, the groundhog can’t change his mind after my favorite backyard tree radiates purple. I stood at our kitchen window admiring the budding beauty, and there on the windowsill sat a miniature ceramic manger holding baby Jesus. He was just resting there peacefully amidst vitamin bottles and knick-knacks, separated from the rest of the manger scene.

Let me explain.

When I put away our Christmas decorations in January (okay maybe February), I was reluctant to part with all of it. I wanted to keep a little bit of Christmas with me all year- a physical reminder to let the spirit of Christmas linger. I decided to grace our kitchen with a permanent decoration, one treasured manger to take me back to the ultimate birthday celebration, even in April when all other signs of Christmas are packed away.

If I close my eyes just for a minute, I can see the lights. Lights on the trees and the houses. Lights shimmering in the windows. Lights in our homes as we welcome friends and family. Light on the glowing faces of the children. The light of Bethlehem’s star.

There is something about all of that radiance that awakens the Christmas spirit in us. It’s everywhere. We sing with joy, we prioritize family time, we serve others, we send words of love and appreciation, we search for just the right way to bring a smile, we forgive, we openly share our faith, we give more generously, we greet strangers with warmth.

In short… we act like Jesus. Perfectly wrapped in the celebration of Jesus’ birth is a celebration of His character.

But when the tangible signs of Christmas are all boxed up and we are no longer surrounded by blatant acts of goodness and cheer, I always sense a change in the atmosphere. A “back to normal.” I feel it every year- those Christ-like qualities are still present within me, but they start to fade into the background. I lose the uber Christmassy focus on giving, praising, loving, and togetherness. And as a result, the palpable energy of hope and joy dulls as well.

Our acts of love fuel the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of Christ.

I’ll happily leave behind the stress, the spending, the crammed to-do list, and the extra five pounds. But this spirit, the truth of Christmas, I want that every day… whether the trees are covered in twinkling lights or vibrant purple flowers.

Do you have any suggestions for keeping Christmas with us beyond December? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any traditions you may already have. Perhaps you keep your outside lights up all year long and now you have an explanation for your neighbors:)

Happy Spring and Merry Christmas!