Christmas Is Not Just for the Children, but for All of Us

I've heard some people say, “Christmas is for children.” While I understand the thought behind that, I couldn't disagree more. If anything, Christmas is a time for all of us to remember the delights of childhood—to laugh with your siblings, to sneak one more cookie from the plate, to eagerly await opening a special present, to sing with abandon, to get your hands messy making crafts, to snuggle up with a loved one reading a favorite story, to have fun with your aunts and uncles and cousins, to look up at the shimmering North Star, or to sit in awe at the glory of a church service. Christmas is not just for the children. It is for all of us. As we go through life, we too often let the hustle and bustle and everyday worries tamp down our childhood spirit. We don't try all the delicious options at the cookie exchange because we're concerned about our weight, or we don't stop and smile at the decorated store windows because we have too much shopping to do. When was the last time you made a blanket fort and read a book? (Yes, curling up in bed with a new read counts!) Go outside and build a snowman just for fun. It doesn't have to be big. A small one near your front porch is just fine. You'll smile every time you see it! Choose something silly to put in your spouse's stocking. You'll be giggling with anticipation waiting for him or her to open it. Play Christmas music and sing along. Who cares how you sound? Christmas can be a busy time, but it's also a season to rediscover joy and love. Find joy in the little things around you and bring that joy to others. Spread the love to friends, neighbors and even people you meet on the street. Bake because you want to, and then share those goodies with others. Decorate your home in a way that expresses your own holiday spirit, even if that means you have goofy critters grinning at you from your tree. Take some time to reflect on the season. Sit quietly on your back porch watching the snow fall, gather toys for tots, help out at a soup kitchen or surprise a lonely neighbor with a gift. But most of all, experience the wonderment that is the holiday season, and, at least for a short period of time, let yourself be a kid again.

We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime. —Laura Ingalls Wilder