Holiday Crunch Time
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
My grandmother always told me that the older we get, the faster time goes, and I have found this to be true. I have also discovered that the older I get the faster time goes between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. I wish I could press a “holiday pause button” so I can more fully appreciate each one.
As soon as Thanksgiving Dinner is over, the table hasn’t even been cleared, and someone is reading the Black Friday sales fliers for Christmas. I always feel a bit sad that we haven’t even scratched the surface of all we have for which to be grateful. The rush to Christmas Day makes me overlook the blessing of Advent and preparing my heart to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas Day flies by as I long to extend each moment. I promise myself I will take time on New Year’s Day to reflect on the blessings of the last year, while praying for the new one. Often, I spend a lot of time that day taking a nap!
Before we enter the holiday crunch time, perhaps this prayer may be helpful:
Lord, before we enter the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, help us to remember that each day is to be savored. Help us to slow down and appreciate what is most important, that Your grace, love and goodness make each celebration possible. May we not get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we miss Your blessings in the special moments of each day spent with family and friends. Help us to notice the little things, which are creating wonderful memories. With gratitude, amen.