Christmas Change: How to realistically cope.
Change at Christmas can be hard.
We celebrated part of our family Christmas on the 14th. We celebrate again on Christmas Day. But I’m all wrapped and ready to go. Are you?
My husband had a great idea, so at Thanksgiving, we gave Max Lucado’s, In the Manager, to all the couples so we all be on the same page. (that was good, wasn’t it?) throughout the season. I have found it comforting to know we are all reading the same thing every day. Some read it in the morning, some at night. I’m sure it’s going to be a tradition from now on.
While it’s hard to celebrate so early, it helps me wind down by Christmas. For years, my daughter and her family would be here a few days before Christmas Eve because we had our big celebration at my parents’ home. Everyone came. My brother and his family and ours as well. Even as our children grew and had their own families, we managed to pull it off. But, of course, things change. This new arrangement works out better for those who have to travel.
Things change
But things change. It’s the way of life, isn’t it? It’s amazing how when things change at Christmas, though, it feels so much worse—most of us like our traditions. When someone suggests change, we recoil. This year, I did something different. I served tacos for our get-together.
Yikes!
No one really complained because, well, it was at our home, and I was the hostess, so naturally, I got to decide. And remember, it was the 14th. However, next year, we’re going back to tradition, which is also OK by me because everyone is going to bring something instead of me doing it all.
How did I react? I was fine. I am fine. Why? Because one of the hallmarks of maturity is the ability to adjust to change. I like to think I’m mature.
But that brings me to this.
God knows about change.
Talk about change. Think about this-God initiated the biggest change ever by coming to earth as a helpless baby, just like any other mortal baby. He was totally dependent on Mary for his continued physical growth, relying on her nurturing care to thrive in a world that was foreign to Him. Each day, Jesus experienced the simple yet profound milestones of infancy—first words, first steps—and with each new experience, He learned to engage with creation in a way that mirrored the human experience.
He had to obey his parents just like any other child. When he was a teenager, he faced the same challenges and emotional upheavals that all young people face, grappling with identity, purpose, and the expectations placed upon him by society. He navigated friendships, perhaps finding solace in shared laughter and unspoken struggles with peers who were unaware of the divine calling upon his life.
I don’t get it. I mean it. I really don’t get how God separated part of himself to become a baby. How can they even be? Thank goodness, I don’t have to figure it out. It’s way beyond my ability, as it is everyone’s. So, at least, I’m not the outlier.
Facing our own changes
So the next time we are faced with change, especially at Christmas, think about the changes God underwent for our sake. Nothing can compare to the profound sacrifices and transformations He made for humanity. Ask yourself if this change is really that important in the grand scheme of life. If it is, then don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, because if you don’t, you risk losing the privilege of expressing it later.
Silence often leads to regret.
Personally, I hate it when people, when given the opportunity to voice their opinion, don’t, and then they complain later about their dissatisfaction with the outcomes. They keep their thoughts bottled up, which deprives others of valuable perspectives that could inspire change or foster understanding. Let’s learn to express ourselves in the moments that matter rather than let resentment build.
Show grace at Christmas
Christmas is a great time to show grace and reflect on what matters most, as this season encourages us to appreciate the love and warmth of family and friends, while also reminding us of the importance of kindness and compassion towards others. It is a moment to pause and recognize the blessings in our lives. It’s a time to connect more deeply with those around us
One of the ways we show grace is by allowing change, embracing the new opportunities it brings, and understanding that change can be a powerful force in our lives. And sometimes, that change we don’t like, which might initially feel uncomfortable or unsettling, turns out for our benefit, leading us to unexpected growth and deeper connections. Like next year, when I don’t have to do it all myself, I can share the responsibilities with loved ones who are eager to lend a hand.
Changing traditions requires understanding and acceptance. Sometimes, the greatest blessings are wrapped up in change.
Finally:
On a lighter note. Here are some more pics. The linens on the door are vintage. I love vintage. The shelf is in the kitchen, and those twig houses are all made by my “bestie”, as is the large one on the dining room table.
God bless and stay calm!
