When Christmas was simple

Christmas means many things to different people. Although it is widely accepted that Jesus Christ was not born on the 25th of December,  it is still an important holiday in the Christian calendar. One that symbolises the birth of the Messiah, who came to redeem the sins of the people.

In most cases, it is also a time for family. One of the few occasions everyone gathers to celebrate the year that was.

My fondest memories stretch back to my childhood, before I even knew the true significance of the birth of the Messiah. To me, Christmas meant carols, nativity play at Sunday school and new clothes. In my young mind, that was all there was to it.

Every year, without fail, my mother would take me Christmas shopping. I would eagerly wait for Christmas morning so I could put on my new clothes, my excitement barely contained.

Family members would gather at my grandmother’s house so we could celebrate together. My cousins and I, close in age would be together in one place. It was easy to relate and play together. What a wonderful time that was! We had no care in the world. All we knew was that we would have new clothes and we would eat to our heart’s content. We never worried about where the food would come from or who would cook. We were just kids. Christmas was a time of fun for us.

So many years have passed then and we have all grown up. Christmas means different things to each of us now. Sometimes,  involuntarily,  my mind returns to one particular photograph. I must have been six or seven years old. My cousins and I were were all dancing together.  I don’t remember the song.

I was wearing a bright red skirt with little characters all over it and a little white top. My braided hair was tied up in ribbons. So simple, yet care free! I sometimes think fondly about that little girl. How simple life was in her innocent mind. All I cared about was eating, dancing and playing in my new clothes on Christmas day.

Sometimes I wonder, what would she think of how I spend Christmas  now? Or what I value and prioritise when it comes to the season? Most likely she would be surprised how it’s no longer just a holiday where I look forward to dancing, eating and playing in my new clothes but one with a more grounded significance in my faith journey. A deeper understanding of what the Messiah’s birth signifies. Also, one that centres the importance of family. Although I’m no longer her, I’m glad she had her chance to shine, in simpler times.

So dear reader, whether you are spending Christmas alone, or with family or friends, I hope it is a time not only of joy but of deep reflection of the year that was and a renewed perspective of the year that will be! A time not only to unwind but to also prepare for what lies ahead.