“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a state of mind. You don’t have to wait for this time of year to be kind or reach out and help others. We can [and should] do this year round.” -Delilah

The holiday season is usually a pretty difficult one for me. I do believe in and celebrate the birth of Christ as He is the Ultimate Gift. Call me a victim of commercialism or whatever you please, but the family aspect of Christmas and the traditions associated with this time of year are instilled in my heart. I value my family.  I appreciate the incredible blessing of life and the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus with them. However, I don’t have my own family traditions, any ornaments or decorations from my childhood, and no schedule of events on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I long for these things each year more than the last.

On the way home last night, my aunt, uncle, and I were listening to Delilah and she made a statement which really stuck me. “Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a state of mind. You don’t have to wait for this time of year to be kind or reach out and help others. We can [and should] do this year round.” While I am saddened by the fact that for the past twenty-one years, I haven’t had the opportunity or the privilege to celebrate Christmas in the way I’d always imagined or seen those around me do, I am hopeful for the future and the many Christmases to come. I can’t wait to establish traditions with Loman and see how we grow alongside one another in love and in faith. Not only am I already grateful for these things but also for the promise I made to myself many years ago to instill the Christmas spirit of giving in my heart all year long.

I will continue to celebrate the birth of my Savior for as long as I live. One day, I will be able to have all the things that I’ve longed for as God promises that His desires will become ours and that He will us the desires of our hearts. I must remind myself of these simple truths each year as it becomes incredibly easy to feel sad during this time of year. Patience is in fact a virtue and I know that my only time will heal the wounds of my heart. However, the very positive aspect of all this yearlong celebration is that I get to listen to Christmas music twelve months a year! Loman is thrilled, I’m sure!  🙂