Our Christmas plans have fallen through, but faith endures
Once again, we're faced with navigating change in a positive and constructive way, Natalie Turko-slack writes.
I have always been a creature of habit. This includes Christmas traditions, both religious and secular. Since my children were toddlers, a childhood friend and I have celebrated Christmas Day together, along with her extended family. Ukrainian Christmas on Jan. 7 is reserved for our respective families.
But life-changing events such as new spouses and in-laws, and long-distance moves, compounded by COVID restrictions, have brought home the reality that Christmas is not static, meant to be recreated year after year with only minor adjustments. Long-standing traditions become more difficult to maintain as the family dynamic evolves. Such changes can create feelings of unease in those for whom nostalgia, especially at Christmas, plays a significant role.
Last Christmas, COVID protocol required us to make certain sacrifices. This year, although we had hoped to return to that sense of normalcy that traditions inspire, sacrifices are needed once again.
When our carefully laid plans fall through, how can we navigate change in a positive and constructive way?
Volunteering at soup kitchens or shelters is a selfless way to spread Christmas cheer. Reconnecting with lost family members or friends, especially those who might otherwise have a lonely Christmas, can be profoundly meaningful.
In our household, Christmas Eve has always included a joyful church celebration filled with lessons and carols. But with Omicron cases escalating at an alarming rate, our Church Council has deemed it prudent to cancel the planned in-person services, favouring Zoom instead. Carols have been pre-recorded, as facilitating singing in unison is not one of Zoom's user-friendly features. Just a few short weeks ago, we looked forward to being together, albeit through masks, socially distanced, with proof of vaccination in hand. Now I will be the only congregation member present, as my husband, a Lutheran pastor, officiates. This scenario is not new, as in-person Sunday services were cancelled when COVID cases were first on the rise. But now our hope for a reprieve from COVID restrictions has been dashed. How sad to see a festively decorated church without its celebrants. How sad for us that there will be no handshakes, hugs or warm regards expressed in person.
Later in the evening, in the comfort of our home, my family will celebrate as we have always done, listening to Christmas “crooners” of yesteryear, checking in with Ebenezer Scrooge and indulging in seasonal treats.
We'll admire our evergreen tree, inhaling the refreshing scent that only a real tree can emit. We'll reflect on our circa-1930 Christmas creche, a recent antique store purchase. I marvel at the painstaking workmanship and attention to detail. It now graces our front entrance, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.
On Christmas Day, instead of celebrating with friends, it's family only and there will just be three of us. This will be a change from our time-honoured tradition, and a poignant reminder that despite our best efforts, life has a rhythm all its own.
Revelling in nostalgia and reliving traditions that inspire a “warm and fuzzy” feeling are an important part of Christmas. But perhaps Christmas has less to do with the exacting standards we place upon ourselves, the frenzied baking, decorating and shopping. Amid all the excitement and trappings of the season, Christians should remember that we have already received the ultimate gift through the birth of the Christ child in that lowly manger, so very long ago.
This story of love, peace and hope continues to resonate with us to this day, and transcends the often discouraging and troubling events we hear about in the news. As comforting as nostalgia and seasonal traditions may be, they prompt us to look backward, whereas faith propels us forward. While the beauty of the Christmas season may leave us awestruck, ultimately it is faith that sustains us, and gives us cause for celebration.
This story of love, peace and hope continues to resonate with us to this day,