Are you ready for Christmas?

My husband came home from work and mentioned that everyone has been asking him if he’s ready for Christmas. He asked me what I thought that actually meant. Do they mean have I got my holiday shopping done? Have I made plans for Christmas day? Have I sent Christmas cards out? Am I ready to celebrate the religious reason for the season? Am I looking forward to spending time with family? What exactly does it mean?

He is from California and said when he grew up, he never heard people ask that question, but since he has lived in Tennessee, he gets asked all the time. I have lived all over this country and have always heard that question, I don’t think it is unique to the south.

But what does it mean? I have my holiday shopping done. I did not get holiday cards out this year so I may end up sending out valentine’s cards with hopes of love for everyone in 2021. Hopefully it will not end up being St. Patrick’s Day cards with hope for good luck for 2021 and let’s really hope I don’t take all the way until April showers bring May flowers cards. But am I ready for Christmas? I am ready. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for me. It’s a time when you can spend moments and create memories with loved ones. It’s a time to slow down. It is a time to assess what I have done since last Christmas. I love to sit and look at the faces I am surrounded by. It makes me smile. I don’t stress about the cooking or the shopping. It always seems to turn out just fine. It is a time of joy and peace.

Christmas is also a time when you can remember the people that are struggling. The people that are sick. The people that still have to work even on Christmas day. The people that are alone. The people that are not with you this year, that were with you last year.

Am I ready for Christmas? Hanukkah was December 10-18th and I enjoyed the reminder of rededication. Winter solstice is December 21, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is a reminder that spring is coming, and that regrowth and renewal will be here soon. Christmas is a reminder of the birth of Jesus and the importance of his birth for Christians. A reminder of hope, joy, peace, forgiveness and love.

I hope for everyone to find joy, peace and forgiveness at Christmas.

Are you ready for Christmas?

I am.