Here’s how to live the real meaning of Christmas all year round.
By: ELMINA FABON FALLAR
* Keep a gratitude journal. God’s love manifests everywhere – we are the ones who fail to “unwrap” the gift of being alike. From the colors of the sunset to the kisses and hugs of our loved ones, we need to celebrate the many miracles that fill our everyday lives.
* Allow yourself to be silly once in a while. Part of the magic of the holiday season is that adults are allowed to be kids. We sing songs about flying birds, we decorate our homes with red and green balls, we indulge in a slice of cake without thinking about the calories. But it seems that once Christmas is over, we store that sense of child-like fun into the basement with all the other decorations. “Don’t take yourself seriously all the time,” says a friend. “Leave room for spontaneous fun and small pleasures.”
* Start and end each day with a prayer. Many of us step into a church only on Sunday, (assuming we pay attention when we’re even there). However, we shouldn’t wait until December 25 to honor Jesus’ presence in our lives or to benefit from the peace that comes from acknowledging a higher power. “Once we accept that there are things beyond our control – and believe that God is always in the driver’s seat – we receive the gift of serenity,” says a parish priest.
* Give a gift everyday. You don’t have to spend a single cent. A simple note of appreciation, a smile, or a compliment can make a person’s day. Sometimes, controlling one tempers can be a gift too – it allows us to mirror the patience and forgiveness of God (who puts up with a lot more from humanity without unleashing His wrath).
* Celebrate special weekend dinners. Part of the fun of Christmas is seeing friends and family together, sharing a special meal. Don’t wait until December 25 to experience that! Every Saturday or Sunday, bring out the pretty plates and table cloths, decorate with candles and flowers, and prepare a delicious meal.
* Psychologists say that this ritual not only lifts people’s spirit and fosters togetherness. It also affirms self-esteem. “We rarely bring out the wedding China or hand-woven placemats because they’re too pretty to use.” Special dinners help us remember that we are worthy of beautiful things. It helps us honor ourselves and those we love.”
* Start a ritual of hope. Sooner or later, we will meet a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, But Christmas is the Season of faith — when we celebrate Christ’s birth, we bear witness to the fulfillment of God’s we promise. “It is unchristian to despair, because despair means don’t believe God is in full control,” say Fr. Gomez. He says that during trials, it is good to create a ‘ritual of hope’. “Light a candle at the altar, or write a letter to God and put it in a special box. Then let go of the fear and the desperation. Invite Him to help, as He has helped humanity before.”
* Send a card to someone you love. One of the best things about Christmas is reading all the thoughtful messages of love and goodwill. “People need to be told how much they are loved. But often we’re too busy or shy to express our appreciation. A card – whether homemade or bought, hand-written or e-mailed is a wonderful way to celebrate the loving spirit of Christmas the whole year,” says a friend.
* Contribute to a cause. God reached out to those who needed Him. We can continue the act of generosity by helping those who are struggling. Sit down and think of a cause that is close to your heart, then find out how to help. This could mean setting aside a few coins a day to donate to an environmental project or gathering toys and books for an orphanage.
* This can also mean making a concrete change in one’s lifestyle. if you believe in conserving the environment, you can segregate recyclable materials or take a personal stand against using products that are not animal or environment friendly. For example, I buy tuna only from companies whose fishing practices protect dolphins. “People say that one consumer doesn’t make a difference in the operations of a multi-million dollar industry. But one thing’s sure: it makes a difference to me, I feel like I’m doing something, and this is my gift to my children.”
* Preserve faith in humanity. It’s hard not to become cynical after hearing daily news reports of rape, murder, large scale government corruption. But it’s also hard to celebrate the hope and love of Christmas without believing that there is good in humanity – something God deemed lovable. Why not start a ‘feel good’ file of new stories that showcase the best of what’s human? The airport janitress who returned the $10,000 she found in an envelope by the trash can. The teacher who devoted her life teaching public school students in a far-flung province. These are all reasons to believe in the goodness of human nature — and in the true spirit of Christmas all year round.
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