It’s almost cliché to say that the Christmas SPIRIT is something to keep in your heart year round. Nonetheless, it bears repeating.
The JOYOUS feeling that Christmas is supposed to bring is a feeling that can and should be summoned on any day of the year.
More importantly, the meaning of Christmas is that KINDNESS should be shared with people of ALL FAITHS or non-faiths, without expectation or judgement, all the time. We are ALL God’s children.
As we gear up for the holiday, making our lists and checking them twice, let’s be mindful of the original meaning of the holiday, and spread cheer and good will towards not just our family and friends, but also towards those who may find this a stressful or lonely time.
And in case the shopping and planning has stressed you out a little, here are some loving words from loving people on having a stupendously Merry Christmas!
“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Remember when the Grinch has his epiphany? What a delightful way Dr. Seuss taught children (and adults) about the true meaning of Christmas.
“It’s true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you’ll find you’ve created family traditions and lasting memories.” ~ Caroline Kennedy
Christmas, with all its hustle and bustle, can have the end result of lasting bonds within the family.
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” ~ Winston Churchill
Please take time out for yourself during this busy season and reflect on what you are grateful for and make wonderful new plans for the coming year.
“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” ~ Edna Ferber
Feelings of warmth, joy, peace, love, and happiness.
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~ Calvin Coolidge
Profound words from a President.
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” ~ Alexander Smith
How has the western world measured time for 2000 years? Before (BC) and after (AD) the earthly time of Christ.
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ~ Andy Rooney
Keep a mental picture of all those unwrapped gifts with scraps and wads of wrapping paper laying around and let it serve as a reminder of so many things for which to be grateful.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” ~ Charles Dickens
Just what we’ve been talking about.
“Christmas is a time of year that’s so romantic.” ~ Katherine McPhee
Isn’t it though? The perfect time to snuggle up.
“The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree – those to me, are the scents of the holidays.” ~ Blake Lively
Christmas is a holiday of the senses. Take it all in!
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ~ Charles M. Schulz
Aww, can’t you picture Snoopy giving a little gift to his friend, Woodstock?
“It’s surprising to me how many of my friends send Christmas cards, or holiday cards, including my atheist and secular friends.” ~ Christopher Hitchens
Yep, everyone wants in on the spirit of the season.
“No matter what, I always make it home for Christmas.” ~ Dolly Parton
Home is wherever you most prefer to spend Christmas.
“Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder.” ~ Ralph W. Sockman
Ahh, the magical, mystical part of Christmas!
“I don’t think Christmas is necessarily about things. It’s about being good to one another, it’s about the Christian ethic, it’s about kindness.” ~ Carrie Fisher
That’s right. It’s a spiritual holiday, not a material one.
“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” ~ Washington Irving
What wonderful Christmas imagery. Makes you feel warm just thinking about it.
“It is a fine season for joy to think of those we love.” ~ Moliere
The perfect time of year to remind those you love of just how much you love them.
“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.” ~ B. C. Forbes
Continuing on with the theme if giving. It must be important.
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Even more reason to practice the spirit of Christmas every day of the year!
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” ~ Dale Evans
So keep loving and keep giving.
“Christmas is far and away my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the event that inspired it, hoping for a white one, to wrapping presents. But mostly I love having family and friends gathered, and sharing traditions.” ~ Ellen Hopkins
Christmas is composed of the most important people in your life – what they mean to you and what you mean to them.
“The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole, is not only a masterful performance; to me it just sounds like the holidays. I’ve never sung it, because Nat’s version is so perfect. I gotta leave it alone.” ~ Harry Connick, Jr.
It’s not Christmas until you’ve heard the most beautiful rendition of this song. Make sure it’s on your play list today!
“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white.” ~ Bing Crosby
More than presents, share love and gratitude with your family and friends, and even with complete strangers who can use some warmth and kindness.
“The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than its value.” ~ Charles Dudley Warner
It’s not the extravagance of a gift, but the thought behind it. Some of the best gifts I ever received were hand made gifts from nieces and nephews and friends who put time and energy into making something special for me.
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” ~ Roy L. Smith
And that pretty much says it all.
Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Holidays!
Peace and goodwill toward everyone of every faith and background.
