Didn’t we just celebrate July 4th? Time has flown by this year, and before we get to our blog topic, can we all just take a moment to reflect and remember the year? I’m not sure what your year looked like. Maybe you experienced difficulties, maybe it was characterized by inexplicable joy or maybe it was somewhere in between. Regardless of how your year has unfolded, can you find a blessing or joyful memory? Now, jot it down and keep it somewhere in sight! Your mirror, your car dashboard, your wallet! Anywhere that you will see and be reminded of hope, love, and joy. This Christmas season may look a little differently for you than imagined and that’s ok! Hold your head up high and take it day by day. Through the hustle of bustle of the next 2.5 weeks, let’s bust through 5 quick Christmas myths!
- The song “12 days of Christmas” begins on Christmas. Christmas day is the START of the party ya’ll, not the end!
- Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is his only name. He has been called Rollo or Reginald. What’s up Reggie?!
- Christmas decorating is the least busy time of the hospital season. WRONG. Christmas decorating sends nearly 15,000 people to the ER every year.
- Keeping your Christmas tree up past Christmas continues to spark joy past the jovial holiday. I’m here to tell you that dried up Christmas tree is going to spark more than just joy if you’re not careful. Water Winston or take him out to the curb. He lived a good life.
- Christmas dinner is the time to try that new recipe I saw on Pinterest. No ma’am, no sir. The annual family meal is not the time for experimenting. Stick to something you’re good at. If you’re going to experiment, bring rolls in the shape of little baby Jesus or a bag of ice. STAY SAFE and don’t ruin the macaroni and cheese.
I encourage you to not let this time of year go by without taking a pause. Don’t let it rush by leaving you behind in its wake. What a beautiful time to enjoy those around you; both your given family and your chosen one! And I personally want to say Merry Christmas to you, our chosen family. We pray God’s blessings and unfailing love over you and yours this season. We pray for peace even in the midst of chaos. And we pray for moments of joy, no matter what life may bring. Merry Christmas!
Love always,
Jessie Olson (and all the Synergy Team)