As we get ready to celebrate the joy of Christmas this week, I look back on my life and realize that Christmas has meant so many different things to me. Growing up in a very Catholic household I have always known the true meaning of Christmas. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and his message of peace and love for us all, While I have never forgotten the true meaning of the season, there have always been other things going on that had a profound effect on me.
As a child, Christmas was magical. Coming down the stairs to see all those presents was surreal. It was complete joy. It was a day that I never wanted to see end. I was very fortunate to have loving parents that made it truly special for me and my siblings. The afternoon was filled playing with the toys and games I had been dreaming about for the last few weeks. That moment of bliss ended when Christmas dinner was served. It was not a meal. It was a feast. Christmas was the most special day of the year.
As a teenager and a young man, the presents meant less but spirituality, family and friends meant more. Celebrating midnight mass and then sharing Christmas cheer with others made the day special. I remembered hearing Nat King Cole’s “A Christmas Song” for the first time and it still melts my heart to this day as my favourite song of the season.
Fast forward to me in my 30s and 40s. I am a husband and father. The torch has been passed. Now I was getting joy watching my kids experiencing joy. That was my present, and I savoured the moment. I realized what my parents were experiencing back then too. I also realized how fortunate I was. I became more aware that many do not get to experience this. I felt a sense of giving back to my community either through charitable donations, volunteering or playing Santa Claus for young kids. It truly is better to give than to receive.
Fast forward again to the present day. I am in my 60s now. My dad passed away 15 years ago but my mother is still with us. She is 90 and is declining. My mother-in-law passed away eight years ago so my father-in-law, who is 82, will be joining us for Christmas dinner. He has been diagnosed with cancer, and it is spreading. You never like to say these things, but they are in the back of your mind. Is this the last Christmas for either of them? Only the Heavenly Father will make that call. In the meantime, you can only worry about what you can control. Live for the moment. Make this the best Christmas that you can because that is all that you can do. Live with love in your heart and spread joy where you can.
That is my Christmas wish for you. I sincerely wish you peace, love, and joy this Christmas season and whatever stage of life you are in, I hope you can find it as magical as I did. Merry Christmas.
Al