Christmas music grates on your very last nerve. Shopping stinks because stores refuse to give out gift boxes. Tacky yard decorations threaten your personal space and sanity. It is too much effort to be “nice.” These are all signs that you may be in danger of losing your “merry” this Christmas. Welcome to Mindful Monday, dear friends. How ironic that today is also Cyber Monday which seems to conflict with the peace and purpose we want to promote here AT THE CROSSROADS! I hope that in the midst of searching the web today for coupon codes, exclusive offers, and time-sensitive deals, you will also pause to reflect and focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season.
FATHER CHRISTMAS
In my family, we have affectionately referred to my dad as “Mr. Christmas” for his exuberant love and affection for all things relating to this magical season. From keeping his Dickens Village up year-round to watching every version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to wearing his green and red plaid holiday vest with matching bow tie, socks, and shoes, he is the embodiment of “Christmas Present.” He is also one of the very best gift givers on the planet. No matter what you put on your Christmas list, he will hound every salesperson, scour every store in the mall, and search every online website to get you exactly what you want. While I believe the thrill of the hunt excites him, the real payoff for him is seeing the look on your face when you open your gift. 
Yet, while talking to my dad this weekend as we ventured out on our annual trip to the Christmas tree farm (yes, he still puts up a real Christmas tree every year and considers artificial trees sacrilegious!), he confessed that he was losing his love and fervor for Christmas. What?!?!?!? Of all the people in my life who I would consider in danger of losing their “merry” this Christmas, my dad would be last on my list. And it got me thinking (and worrying)…if this man who has fully embraced and celebrated every twinkling light on every tree and house, every sentiment on every holiday card, every carefully chosen gift wrapped in a bright bow, and every reason to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” is there any hope for the rest of us? I wondered as I wandered… What makes one lose their “merry” during the Christmas season?
LOSING YOUR “MERRY”
While Christmas can be a time of joy, anticipation, excitement, and fun, it can also bring sadness, stress, anxiety, and dread. After doing some research on why people dislike this season, I compiled a list of some of the major stressors and complaints:
- Commercialism that starts way too early.
- Crowds, long lines, and traffic while shopping.
- Constant Christmas music playing everywhere.
- Over the top lawn decorations (especially the giant blow-up ones!).
- Having to attend holiday events and parties.
- The gluttony of eating too much and gaining weight.
- The expense and hassle of traveling.
- Getting into debt because of pressure to buy too many gifts.
- Seeing certain relatives and having to “be nice.”
- The emphasis on getting instead of giving.
- The focus on Santa Claus instead of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.
Add to this list the baking, entertaining, wrapping, decorating, hosting, and cooking and it is no wonder that some people have begun greeting each other with…
MERRY STRESSMAS!
Others have decided to opt out completely… 
GETTING BACK THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
A few years ago I wrote an Advent devotional entitled “Have Yourself a Mary Little Christmas”. I was convicted regarding my role in making Christmas “merry” for my family and wanted to go back to the first Christmas and see where I was losing my focus and perspective. I took a deeper look at the wife and mother who was at the center of it, Mary. When I reviewed the list of why people disliked the holiday season, I realized that I was also dangerously close to losing my “merry” just like my dad. But deep in my soul, I longed for things to be different. I knew that Advent was supposed to bring a spirit of expectation and anticipation, of preparation, and of longing. But somewhere along the way, things had gone sideways for me. Instead of expectation, I had hesitation. Instead of anticipation, I had anxiety. Instead of preparation, I had procrastination. I wondered what I could learn from this young, simple girl who had expectations too. And I began to question: Can we get our “merry” back by learning from “Mary”?
LESSONS FROM MARY ABOUT BEING MERRY
One the biggest lessons I learned from Mary is that Christmas was not about her…it was all about Him. A simple and profound truth that I know I often forget in the hustle and bustle of the season. She put the focus on God and His Son and that gave her joy, purpose, and peace.
1) Mary PREPARED her HEART.
She gave up her plans for God’s plans.
2) Mary PRAISED with her MIND.
She focused on God and thanked Him for His blessings.
3) Mary PONDERED in her SOUL.
She made room for her Savior by accepting His gift of grace. If you feel you are in danger of losing your “merry” this Christmas, start by preparing your heart, mind, and soul for the real gift of the season: Jesus. That is what Mary did, and it made all the difference. One more thing…I talked to my dad today, and he said he was starting to get his “merry” back. When I asked him how, he told me he just started doing his favorite Christmas things like smelling the fresh pine of his newly cut tree, hanging lights outside in his yard, and watching those Hallmark Christmas movies. And as he did so, he was reminded of God’s many blessings, and the joy and the peace started to return. I think it’s a pretty good place to start! If you are interested in going through a short Advent devotional that will help you prepare your heart, mind, and soul for the Christmas season, they are available for purchase. Please see details below on how you can get your copy in time for the first Sunday of Advent, December 3!
“Have Yourself a Mary Little Christmas”
This is over 20 pages of Bible readings, questions for reflection, and activities/resources for you and your family.
Printed devotionals are available for purchase for only $5.00.
You can pay me directly through PayPal if you have an account, and I will either deliver or ship it for FREE. I also accept cash or check.
These make great Christmas gifts for friends, family, and co-workers.
All devotionals come with AT THE CROSSROADS bookmark & pen.
I want to meet your dad, Carla!
Since I was a young child, Mary has always fascinated me. I know that the Christmas story is miracle, not magical, but as a little girl, it seemed every bit the very best fairy tale. I so emulated Mary’s quiet servant heart and still do today. Mary’s song in Luke 1 is a part of the Bible that I will always cherish and reflect upon.