Friday, December 15, 2017

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS



We are in the midst of the holiday season. In the past, this was the worst time of year for me. This was the time of the year that I put great expectations on myself so that, in my mind, I would experience the perfect Christmas.

I had to do the shopping. I had to decorate the house. I had to bake the myriad varieties of Christmas cookies. I had to send Christmas cards.I had to wrap the gifts and I had to decorate the Christmas tree. I had to DO IT ALL! And I had to do it...by myself! Somehow I thought, by getting ready for the "most wonderful time of the year", by myself, then I would have the satisfaction and fulfillment of my accomplishments. And then, I could be merry.

The problem was, as you might have guessed, that I wasn't merry, or happy, or even fulfilled. I was stressed, frustrated, angry and exhausted! By Christmas day, I was ready to crawl into bed and stay there until New Years Eve!

As I look back, I realized that by doing everything myself, I created my own isolated state and sacrificed my well being. I was depressed! I had forgotten the true meaning and spirit of Christmas! I had forgotten the true meaning of why we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ brought to us the birth of a new awakening of consciousness and new awareness within each of us. Jesus Christ brought to us the awakening of the Christ... within each of us.

The true spirit of Christmas is about seeing each other with love. The true spirit of Christmas is about seeing each other with compassion. The true spirit of Christmas is about seeing each other with gratitude. the true spirit of Christmas is about seeing each other with forgiveness.

The spirit of Christmas is about celebrating the joy of abundance! The joy of gift giving (with no strings attached), is the celebration of abundance! The joy of a holiday feast is the celebration of abundance! The joy of sharing the feast with family and good times with family and friends is the celebration of abundance!

And now that I'm aware of the true spirit of Christmas, the holiday season has become more relaxed, more peaceful, and yes, more fun! And I also became aware that this is a feeling that can be celebrated each and every day.

When we see ourselves with love, joy, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and abundance, then our lives becomes a celebration. When we see each other with love,
compassion, joy, gratitude, forgiveness and abundance, then each day becomes a gift.

Each day becomes a gift... of miracles.

I wish the spirit of Christmas be with you during this holiday season and each and every day!