I just don’t like it — putting away Christmas, I mean. I must be the last person in our neighborhood to take down the tree, pack up the ornaments, and put away the garland and wreaths. I’ve pondered what it is I dislike about it, and it clearly is much more than the work of it all. It’s seems deeper than that. Certainly the memories of Christmas “play forward” as they say, so it can’t be that either. What is it? What could it be?
Perhaps my real displeasure about “putting away Christmas” is more spiritual in nature. Is it possible that I just don’t want to let go of the liturgical season that emphasizes the mystery of the Incarnation? Could it be that packing up the visible reminders of Christmas symbolizes a packing up of meditations and reflections on the gift of God’s love revealed in and through the Babe in the creche? Yes, I think that must be it. A spiritual reluctance to let go of the real treasure of the time.
How, then, can the spiritual significance of Christmas “play forward?” Following is a short list of some helpful suggestions to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts throughout the year — yes, even throughout Lent:
1. Keep the creche displayed in your home throughout the year. Pause throughout the day to reflect on the mystery it portrays and the new life its mystery brings.
2. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is revealed to us in numbers of ways each day. At the close of the day, take a minute or two to consider the moments He was “born” into your life that day — in the circumstances, interactions, events, joys, and sorrows.
3. Make a novena of the Joyful Mysteries. Each day, ask Our Lady to give you her perspective of that particular event from her life and that of her Son’s. Journal your insights and see how this helps to enliven your appreciation of the Incarnation. You may find that you want to do this a few times through the course of the year.
4. Consider the question: How can I birth Jesus in the hearts of others today? and then seek specific ways to be a Christ-bearer throughout the day. At day’s end, review the ways in which you helped Him to be “born” in the hearts of others that day.
5. Angels were present at the birth of Christ and ministered to Him throughout His life. Ask your guardian angel to be more present to you in the events of your day. Look for your angel’s involvement and be sure to thank your angel for the blessings he brought.
Perhaps these suggestions will help you and me to keep Christmas alive in our hearts even after the decorations have been taken down and put away.
Oh, and by the way, Father Ed once told me that it used to be a custom in Europe to keep the Christmas tree up until the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd. Then, the villagers would gather and burn them all together — a brilliant bonfire signifying Christ’s light.
So, since my tree is still up and the feast day is not all that far away…..
Johnnette welcomes you to add your comments about keeping Christmas alive in your hearts throughout the year.
My Christmas tree still is up, too! I just feel the brightness of the holidays don’t need to end, and putting my apartment “back in order” is not true. Jesus is with us all year long, and it should be a celebration all year long.
I will need to take it down this week before a get-together, but I am keeping Jesus shining bright in my heart.
Completely relate to reluctance to “put away Christmas.” I started leaving a miniature Nativity scene on the kitchen window shelf a few years ago, to remember Christmas every day, especially when doing the mundane, every day chores. Will add the end of the day review of where was Jesus born in moments of each day. Thanks, DeEtta
Thank you for posting this as I stare at my fully decorated Christmas tree lighting up my family room. I feel the same way about taking down Christmas! The holiness of that time of year just causes my soul (and my body) to be still. I miss it when it’s “back to the grind”. I will take your advice and leave the Holy Family part of my Nativity set displayed!
My Christmas tree never comes down before the Epiphany and even then I am reluctant. One of my closest moments to God over the past Christmas season had to be praying the rosary around the tree with my grown children, a soon to be son-in-law, and a girlfriend of one of my sons and of course my husband. It is hard to pack those good memories away.
One surprizing gift that was under the tree was an ipod. Now I can download your podcasts and take your good news with me where ever I go! Thanks!
I always leave the creche up for a long while after the New Year, and subtle reminders to put it away don’t work! It brings me joy and the surety of knowledge that God indeed loves us in ways we can’t fathom. I am glad to know that others feel that way too.
My walk with Christ has always been important, but as a widow, it is the joy of my life. The joy that comes from His gift to us, therefore, graces my day with a symbol of His love.
Thank you for your program.
Dear Johnnette, Do not be the least bit distracted by your love of the Christmas season. In many Hispanic countries, Christmas decorations are in place until the feast of the Presentation or Candlemas Day! After all, this time is the liturgical celebration of the infancy of Jesus. I love to be “liturgically correct”!!
Hello Johnnette,
I was unable to get through to you via your e-mail address on your website so I am trying it here…
I would like to ask if you have heard of “Children of the Code”
literacy program? It was recently brought to my attention as perhaps
a good tool for teaching how to read but the name itself gave me an
uneasy feeling and upon a bit or Internet research of their site it
became creepy.. I would appreciate if you have any information or
insight into this that you would share it with me.
Thank you.
Hi Susan,
I am not familiar with this literacy program. Perhaps others are, though.
Any one?
Blessings,
Johnnette
One year was especially hard for me to take “down Christmas” as my husband had been killed in an accident in September. My sister suggested I get an “indoor” tree like a Norfolk pine and decorate it for the entire year. I immediately went to a florist, found a “Star Pine”, took it home, put two strings of lights on it and some special ornaments. This tree is still in my living room 10 years later, and I plug it in when I want. I have since remarried, but the memories of this tree live on.
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language 😉
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hello !!!! 😉
My name is Piter Kokoniz. oOnly want to tell, that I like your blog very much!
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you!
Piter Kokoniz, from Latvia