The Christmas season is here, and it’s a great time to reflect on ways to spread Christmas cheer and bring joy in the hearts of the people around us. There are countless opportunities to brighten someone’s day with kind and thoughtful gestures. This is the time to act with love and kindness, and also a time to celebrate hope and redemption.
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
– Hamilton Wright Mabie
With the soft breeze of winter, Willy rushed into the garage with his small bicycle. His sister, hurt from the knock Willy had given her with his cycle earlier, was waiting for the perfect time. “Santa Claus doesn’t exist!” she shouted. He couldn’t believe his ears. Was it true!?
He decided to wait till he met his Grandma, to know if his sister was really right. With his favourite cinnamon rolls on the table, he decided to ask the question that had haunted him for the past 2 days. “No, that’s just a bad rumour that’s been going around Willy”, his grey-haired Grandma replied with a smile. “I’ll take you to the mall later this evening and you’ll know it for yourself”, she said.
She had been thinking of ways to spread Christmas cheer and this was a great chance to do it. She slid some money into Willy’s hands and asked him to pick something for someone in need. Willy lost in thoughts in the crowded Christmas store didn’t know for whom or what to pick. Then he remembered Fanny, the boy who sat next to him in school. He drew beautiful pictures but just didn’t have enough crayons to colour with since the time he had known him.
“We’re Santa’s helpers”, Grandma whispered, while they were hiding behind the huge tree in front of Fanny’s house. Willy had kept the crayons wrapped in glittering paper with the label “From Santa” in front of Fanny’s front door. He rang the doorbell and ran to the tree where his Grandma was waiting for him with a mischievous smile. Fanny opened the door; his eyes welled up with happy tears when he saw the crayons he had always wanted. This warmed Willy’s heart more than the long furry coat he was wrapped in on that breezy winter evening.
While it’s true that Santa does not exist, this Christmas let’s be the reason for someone’s smile and need, just like Willy!
The Reason for the Season
With sparkling lights up around every corner to spread Christmas cheer and the joyful sounds of Carols, let’s also not forget the reason for the season. The story of Christmas is a story of hope and redemption for the lost soul. This season marks the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Christmas décor and carols hold more meaning than meets the eye.
● Christmas lights – Signifies how Jesus is the Light of the world and offers hope to human soul lost in the darkest of realms. No matter how deep you’re into addiction, depression or anything that bothers you, there is still hope in Christ.
● The evergreen Christmas tree – Shows us how the gospel of Jesus Christ stays relevant irrespective of time and age. No matter how old or young you are, you can still turn to Christ.
● Stars – Signifies the star that guided the wise men to the manger where Christ was born. It reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, no matter how bad the turmoil is around us.
● Gifts – Reminds us of the incredible gift of Jesus Christ. It was Jesus’ sacrifice for the atonement of our sins that paved way for anyone who believes to receive the gift of eternal life.
Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer
Now that we know how much meaning this season holds, here are some ways to spread the Christmas cheer around us:
● Attitude of Gratitude – This is the right time to look back at the year that went by, and count your blessings one by one. You can practice journaling or individually thank the people who made a difference in your life.
● Be kind – Kindness is a language that everyone understands. Be ready to go an extra mile and offer a helping hand to an elderly neighbour, or to your co-worker.
● Spend time with your family and friends – In the chaos of our daily routines we often forget to cherish the people who mean the most to us. Christmas season is a great time to plan vacations and meet-ups to catch up with your loved ones.
● Sharing is caring – There is indescribable joy hidden in the act of sharing, be it a gift or a meal. Christmas season is a great time to make a dish that you’ve always wanted to try and share it with friends and family. You can also get your loved ones something that they’ve always wanted and see them smile. A small gift or a greeting card will go a long way!
Merry Christmas everyone!