I read an article the other day about Bethlehem. This was THE Bethlehem, the real one in the middle east where Jesus was actually born. The article was about how Bethlehem is gearing up for a very subdued Christmas because the main economy there is tourism and for some reason people don’t want to celebrate Christmas in a war zone.

With the economy and inflation being what they are, many other people are probably gearing up for a very subdued Christmas. They feel bad about not spending as much money, or not giving as many gifts they would like. And although nearly everyone will say, “Well, that’s not really what Christmas is all about.”, they still feel that way.

But think about all the Christmases you’ve seen, especially as a kid. What was the best thing about Christmas? Like Ralphie and his B.B. gun, there might be a year or two when the present was the big deal, but most years it was the other things. It was the anticipation and agony of having to wait till Christmas to open presents, even as they piled up under the tree. It was the magic of seeing nothing but crumbs on a cookie plate.  It was the mystery of listening for reindeer hooves until you fell asleep Christmas eve. It was the immense pleasure of wearing your pajamas all day long while doing nothing more than eating and playing. Even for kids, Christmas is more than presents, it’s the whole day.  

For adults, it’s more about the giving, but it’s still not just about presents. It’s seeing the wonder in little faces looking at Christmas lights and displays. It’s getting cards from people you only hear from once a year. It’s digging out recipes from Christmases past to keep the tradition going. It’s thinking smugly as you wrap presents that those young whippersnappers might do it the lazy way and go for Christmas bags, but a wrapped present is still the best!

These things are all part of Christmas, and they’re not the most expensive part. Mostly, you can still have these things even if, financially, you are looking at a very subdued Christmas.

Because as we all know, even without presents and treats and lights and cards, Christmas is a celebration of love. It is the love of God for us and the love we have for each other. And even without all the trimmings and trappings, we can…and probably should…celebrate that every day.  

So, whatever you do this Christmas, have a merry and loving one. And remember that just like an obnoxious relative, a very subdued version might be the very best kind!