Empty Amazon boxes, shredded paper, and discarded bows indicate Christmas festivities have ended. The family has come and gone. The feast has been eaten. The sun has set on December 25. While celebrations may be over, Christmas doesn’t have to end. The spirit of Christmas can linger in our homes and in our hearts.
Practically speaking, the days after Christmas can maintain peace and joy if we keep those things that made the season bright around a little longer. I love the lights and scents and flavors of Christmas, so I slowly phase them out of my home. Cinnamon wafts through the air from my wax warmer before pine and herbs replaces it. Spiced cider and hot chocolate are a part of my morning routine until a special coffee flavor takes their place. I nibble on left over treats…until I’m sick of them. To replace the yumminess of those once-a-year Christmas goodies, I pull out another special recipe, one to savor AFTER, rather than DURING the festivities. I continue to enjoy the stillness around tree light when dark falls until the attic calls the decorations back to storage. When decorations must be stowed away, I leave touches of red here and there. Instead of feeling like I’m boxing up my joy, I let an anticipation similar to what I feel in November and December, propel me toward the new year and the fresh start it brings. By letting the superficial treasures of the season linger in my world, I have the pleasure without the hectic pace that often presides over the days before Christmas.
But it’s the spirit of the season that I invite to linger most of all. The goodwill to others. The closeness. The focus on Jesus. I make time for others, I continue to give, and I maintain those things that draw me close to Christ. I remind myself that Jesus is the reason for every season and endeavor to keep my eyes on the Savior. The warmth of the holiday remains. I hang on to Christmas when I hold on to Christ.
Tip/Tidbit: The Good Tidings of the Savior is what brought the world comfort and joy. The peace, love, and joy of Christmas can be yours if you turn your heart to Jesus.
Practically speaking, the days after Christmas can maintain peace and joy if we keep those things that made the season bright around a little longer. I love the lights and scents and flavors of Christmas, so I slowly phase them out of my home. Cinnamon wafts through the air from my wax warmer before pine and herbs replaces it. Spiced cider and hot chocolate are a part of my morning routine until a special coffee flavor takes their place. I nibble on left over treats…until I’m sick of them. To replace the yumminess of those once-a-year Christmas goodies, I pull out another special recipe, one to savor AFTER, rather than DURING the festivities. I continue to enjoy the stillness around tree light when dark falls until the attic calls the decorations back to storage. When decorations must be stowed away, I leave touches of red here and there. Instead of feeling like I’m boxing up my joy, I let an anticipation similar to what I feel in November and December, propel me toward the new year and the fresh start it brings. By letting the superficial treasures of the season linger in my world, I have the pleasure without the hectic pace that often presides over the days before Christmas.
But it’s the spirit of the season that I invite to linger most of all. The goodwill to others. The closeness. The focus on Jesus. I make time for others, I continue to give, and I maintain those things that draw me close to Christ. I remind myself that Jesus is the reason for every season and endeavor to keep my eyes on the Savior. The warmth of the holiday remains. I hang on to Christmas when I hold on to Christ.
Tip/Tidbit: The Good Tidings of the Savior is what brought the world comfort and joy. The peace, love, and joy of Christmas can be yours if you turn your heart to Jesus.
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