The Meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas
Every year, even though the air gets colder, my heart grows ever warmer in the winter season. There’s so much about Thanksgiving and Christmas that is so dear to me and my family, and it’s our favorite time of year. We look forward to it so much because it’s a time-honored tradition to slow down from all the busyness of life, and gather together around good things to enjoy each other. For us, the meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas revolves around those who we enjoy, and for our family, we share in enjoying our Creator and the gifts He has given us throughout the year.
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From this perspective, life is colored with blessings and things to be thankful for, and for me, my family is near the very top of the list. Each Thanksgiving, we gather around the table, with a feast spread upon it, and turn our gaze from ourselves and what we are about to eat to the One who gave us the many blessings sitting around the table. As the wonderful scent of the golden turkey, and the smell of the fresh cranberry sauce and the seasoned stuffing fills the room, we each understand that these things can so easily be taken away from us, and we know that these things won’t last forever.
It’s in the name itself: on Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the things given to us, and especially give thanks to the person who has given us these blessings. We realize that these gifts are not the reward, and know that they’re not an end to anything, but rejoice that our Lord loves us and has given us family, friends, and food on the table. It’s a time of joy, enjoying our loved ones and their company. It’s a wonderful time of year when those who live far away visit again, and a time of tradition that brings the family closer together each year. My family and I have made our own traditions years ago that we still honor each year, and we’ve even made new ones as time has gone on.
Christmas is a big day for us, and for so many others as well. For my family, it’s a big day of celebration. It’s a day when we give gifts to each other, symbolizing the greatest gift given to us. We pour love out on our family and friends, remembering the love God pours out on us each day. It’s a day filled with warmth, snuggling up next to each other on the sofa, in our pajamas, with a roaring fire in the woodstove, and snowflakes falling to cover the ground in a pure white blanket. When the floor inside is covered in ripped wrapping paper, and littered with new toys, or plates filled with cookies and confections, and all we can do is smile at the mess.
I’m so thankful for the love of family, and that love over fleeting things. Giving thanks for the things that have been given to us, and giving gifts to our loved ones and to those less fortunate. Both of these days are filled with warmth, love, and enjoyment. He has given me my lovely family, and I am so thankful for this wonderful gift. It’s the best thing given to me, and I hope that throughout this holiday season, no matter what you believe, that you will focus on your loved ones and celebrate your blessings. I am also so grateful for all of my amazing clients, and the love you share with me, every day.
