It’s easy to be overwhelmed at Christmas.
An estimated one-third of U.S. citizens don’t buy the first present until the week before Christmas,
Christmas cards must be written and addressed, and major meals must be prepared for Christmas day.
But despite the histrionics, uneasiness and heightened emotions that often come with the season, we’re always impressed with the number of people who take time to help others at Christmas. 2007, from what we’ve seen, has been no exception.
There are the church groups who arrange carolling at the nursing homes, there are the families that adopt less fortunate families, there are toy runs by bikers, there are school kids sending care packages to our soldiers overseas, there are people asking friends and family to donate to good causes rather than give gifts…and the list goes on.
The bad news is that the freneticism of Christmas isn’t likely to change anytime soon. The good news is that peace and happiness can just as easily be found if the true joys of Christmas – compassion and love for our fellowman, especially the less fortunate – are observed.
This year, make Christmas what it is supposed to be: a reflective and rewarding time that is centered on others rather than yourself.