If you haven’t heard this song by Matthew West “Day after Christmas,” it’s a good summary of how we tend to dread that Christmas and all the warm fuzzies are gone and we need to get back to reality. If you’re that person that gets a little melancholic after Christmas and New Year have passed, take a listen. It’ll put a smile on your face and make the year end that much more bearable. Click here: Day after Christmas
I hope you all had a very blessed Christmas Day! Yesterday, I went to a family gathering that I usually go to every year. There are some aspects that I always look forward to and other aspects….well, not so much. This year was different. It wasn’t the food; it wasn’t even the people. I think it had something to do with my disposition to engage with everyone regardless of our similarities or lack thereof. Sometimes you don’t see family members but only a couple times a year and when you arrive at the holiday gathering, conversations can be a little awkward which usually leads me to retreat to a corner of the house with some sort of electronic device. Truth.
But this year was different. I had my backup protocol ready just in case, but I didn’t need it. I got to meet new people and catch up with others I hadn’t seen in awhile. After the tension wore off and we started playing some games, it turned out to be a total blast. Even my grandmother didn’t want to leave, which some of you know is a small miracle!
As the glow of the holidays slowly starts to dissipate, I just wanted to remind you that the best gift you can give people (especially family) is to engage with them and find out more about them. Holiday gatherings are the best venue for this, but if doesn’t happen then, take advantage of every opportunity you get throughout the year to interact with your not-so-close family members. Leave a lasting impression on them. Don’t be afraid to laugh. Show them what the love of Christ is all about. Have an open mind about future gatherings. Your family members are probably in the same position you are and how great of you to break the silence! <3
