Christmas

I love Christmas...I really do. 

Years ago, when I first got saved, I was one of those 'tortured souls' who is against everything and for nothing.  I got into the whole thing about Christmas being first a pagan holiday and the fact that it isn't the real day Jesus was born.....basically was a real pest and grinch.

Thankfully, I loosened up and got a real Christian life and now I love the season.  The songs, the smells, the lights, the air, the very thought that everyone in the world for a few weeks is open to the greatest story ever told, that God sent His one and only Son into the world.....all of it is wonderful. 

I love it all....  Except for one thing.....

The shopping.

I hate the shopping.  I read another pastor's blog out there and he as well stated the same thing.  I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.....(infinity..) HATE the shopping. 

My wife and I sat on our porch swing yesterday talking about all this.  She used to like it.  Now she is converted and HATES it as well.  I made a vow I have kept for 20 years and intend to keep til I die that I will NEVER be caught in a store or mall on 'Black Friday'.  (Honestly, just writing those words causes me to almost get the hives....) 

Every ounce of joy for the season gets drained by the very thought of malls for me.  I am trying to figure out a way around this, because I know I have gifts to buy......I will leave my whining dribble for now.....maybe online shopping??  So personal, I know...

Gosh, can we at least shoot for a way to change what is otherwise a great season???

By the way, my wife and I are in agreement and are not sending out Christmas cards this year (too many we know and too many we could forget to get feelings hurt...)nor are we stressing to buy gifts apart from the kids.  We (she)will do our best to make homemade cookies and such, but our life is too packed to lose our joy over this whole thing. 

Just know we love you all......all truly do wish you a wonderful Christmas season. 

And, oh, enjoy your mall time!  :-)...You won't be seeing me there...IF I can figure this online thing out....PB

Comments

[Betty Bryant]

Are we related???? I laughed so much about your hatred for shopping...I try real hard every year to figure out how not to go to the Mall or that other place...One year I did order pretty much everything online, and it was great. None of my family members understand....some of them actually go to the mall to "get in the Christmas spirit". I prefer to...almost anything but shop.

Thanks for the smile!!

[Mike & Gin]

Ah c'mon PB, cookies aren't that hard to make, give Deb a hand, roll up your
sleeves and grab a spoon. Cookies, fresh
out of the oven with a cold glass of milk.
Tis the season.....

[Danielle]

I have an idea for shopping for next year maybe if you do your shopping before the christmas season you won't hate it so much. Thats what i plan to do, bye my gifts all year round it saves having to bye everything at once and makes the shopping time more enjoyable. Just my personal opinion.

Good luck with whatever kind of shopping you have to do.
- Danielle