Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely!

There are two scenarios for this holiday season that come to mind when I think of what’s worthy of effort.

Scenario 1: Putting up Christmas decorations, particularly outdoor lights, is a tough job. It requires precarious positioning of one’s self while attempting to securely attach, mount, or hang the lights in a way that is both esthetically pleasing and able to withstand potential blizzards. Once the lights are in place and any necessary medical attention has been sought, the display of glowing Christmas spirit can warm even the coldest of Grinch hearts.
Was it easy to get those eight pre-lit reindeer with Santa’s sleigh AND the inflatable Snoopy snow globe on the roof? No.
Could you ever imagine the amount of time it would take to assemble your Made-in-China nativity using words that baby Jesus should never have heard? No. But you do it anyway, and it’s worth every watt of energy and effort because you are letting ALL your Christmas lights shine.

Scenario 2: The second scenario of the season is a bit tougher. As our world continues to battle the COVID crisis, I encourage you to envision a holiday where you loosen your hold on what tradition says we MUST do to make Christmas happen.

Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely!

Breaking the habit of overdoing Christmas is hard. We have been brainwashed into believing that we have to celebrate in a way that reflects the commercials on TV. We believe that our love is reflected in the contents of the giftwrap and ribbons. Spending money and unreasonable expectations strain our financial and emotional limits, and it’s time to stop. Accepting that staying home is the safe and responsible thing to do is hard, but it could be the one sacrifice that allows Christmas to happen next year surrounded by loved ones.

Consider making changes in the ways you connect with others. Don’t fixate on the where you celebrate. Traditions are special, but the future is just as worthy of working to preserve. You don’t have to cram into Grandma’s living room like sardines for it to be Christmas. It will be okay if you spread out the festivities and celebrate in ways that support social distancing. Schools are sharing their Christmas pageants via the internet. This will allow the singing and smiling faces of students to be enjoyed remotely. No, it’s not the same as being crammed into a gymnasium or church while the shepherd boy is busy playing with his shepherd’s hook and the angels don crooked halos as they belt out “Silent Night,” but it’s a safe way to share the joy.

As for gift giving, you may not be able to witness the expressions on the faces of those opening your thoughtful presents, but you can include a note or message that reminds them why they are important enough to receive that gift from you. Sometimes the words we can’t say in person are the ones others need to hear (or read) the most.

Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely!

Is it going to be easy to be apart from family and friends? Nope.

Is it going to feel the same watching those angels sing their hearts out on the computer monitor, instead of from a church pew? Nope.

It is my heart going to fill with anticipation the same as I wait for gifts to be delivered to my family via UPS as it does when I watch them open in person? Nope.

Is change stressful? Yup. Does it make our eyes twitch? Yup. Can it save us time, money, and sanity? Yup.

It is going to be okay? Yup.

Is it still going to be Christmas? Absolutely!

And that’s what makes the effort of changing the way we do things worth it.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. There are no Christmas decorations on my roof, but I TOTALLY admire all you brave souls who have them on your rooves. I salute you!