Christmas Greetings, and stuff...

I awoke today to the smell of autumn, but with the unmistakeable chill of Winter in the air. This evening, it could easily have been bonfire night, but for the crispness. The air was full of moisture and it was almost magical the way the lights in the street were etched out, each with their own misty glow. I started to think about what to give people this year or Christmas. This lead me along the path of thinking about people.

Thinking about it - I do know some great people. I will not be making much of a show of Christmas this year, but I do, nonetheless, wish everyone a great holiday time - and I look forward heartily to the celebrations I shall be enjoying. Seeing as this is my first Christmas away from Liz - it will be a little muted, but that is only right and fitting.

The only thought I would proffer - in terms of advice this Christmas - is “Try to remember that Christmas is far more about people than it is about things.”

You can have what you think of as your best ever Christmas with a can of beans and four slices of bread. Heck, that kind of paucity makes a time like Christmas unbelievably good. How many times have you had such wonderful presents for people that you were convinced they would bring happiness - only to be surprised and somewhat crestfallen when the gifts were received with only moderate approval? Have you ever laid on a tremendous banquet for your visitors - only to be let down that the night was not a success? I have. I often try too hard at entertaining - over-provide food, embarrass people with too much “stuff” of all kinds.

When things truly succeed is when my heart is in the right place - when I am not in a state - when I can welcome people with a real genuine smile.

So - what's your best piece of Christmas advice for us all to relish?

Comments

[Jason]

Be open and welcoming and friendly, even if you don't always feel like it - and offer to help someone too in some way.

[christine]

I agree Jason - I think it must be my age or something but simply enjoying 'quality time' with all different kinds of people is immensley (?) enjoyable as well as ...........................new boots with a matching bag.

[Paul]

These days I get very nostalgic about Christmas past. Having children around must make it all the better and Barbara and I will be entertaining friends this year with a couple of tots in tow..so that really will make a difference. However, to get back to that nostalgia track....my best advice is to stick on your stereo the songs that you used to listen to with your folks at Christmas times long ago..the memories will flood back. In my case it will be Nat King Cole followed by the The Coventry Carol sang by the Kings College Choir.
It'll be 1955 again and I'll have lots of nuts and oranges in my stocking, and if I'm really lucky a "Robbie The Robot" with real moving arms! Enjoy yourself Andy.

[Tim the Enchanter]

I can only endorse your earlier statement that its more about people than things. So people.... hope its a good one for you!

[Rebecca]

I have to say I love Christmas Eve, the anticipation and that all important glass of port, mince pie and carrot.

Its a time of sharing and thinking of others. This year I will be thinking of all the victims of the recent floods in Morpeth and wondering how they are mangaging.

Try and limit how much you plan, because you will just get frustrated if it doesn't happen. The only thing I plan is dinner, otherwise, its please yourself everyone and enjoy the day in any way you want to.

[Joss]

Enjoy life, love God.