There are few things in life that I’m traditional about but Christmas is one of them, so when I did the calculations and worked out that my big plan of dropping everything and going backpacking around Asia, would mean that I’d be somewhere very far away for the first time at Christmas, I started to stress about how I was going to spend my favourite time of year, worlds away from everything and everyone who I call home.
The build up to Christmas is always a magical time, the anticipation, the preparation for a day of giving, whether it’s presents to shop for and wrap, cakes to dose in brandy and decorate, trees to dress in lights and sentimental ornaments. But strip all that away and move yourself 7000 miles away where they don’t celebrate Christmas and it’s 30 degrees outside, even listening to Christmas songs can’t quite get you in the mood for Christmas because they simply don’t make sense; it’s not looking a lot like Christmas, I’m not driving home for Christmas and singing let it snow would just be plain mad!
But I’m no Scrooge and after watching a few Christmas movies I refused to give up on finding the Christmas spirit! I went back to these Christmas songs and started listening a bit deeper to lyrics and re-interpret them to see what actually we search for at Christmas, when the snow, the presents, the tree, the turkey and even the loved ones are so very far away!
For example the classic “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”. Well the closest I’m getting to that is a white sands beach, but what if it didn’t mean snow; White is a symbol of purity. Do you remember how you felt about Christmas as a child? That pure, uninhibited, undeniable joy. So maybe listen to the song as a reminder to dream of a purely joyful Christmas “just like the ones I knew before”.
“Rocking around the Christmas tree”; what is it that Christmas tree provides for us at this time of year, and what do we miss when it’s gone? I’ve thought about this, and I reckon it the focus. Think about it, how much thought goes in to where the Christmas tree will be placed, maybe you have it in the same perfect place every year or maybe it’s a big debate every year. But it always takes pride and place and draws all the attention every time you enter the room. It’s where the whole family gathers to open presents, moan how full their tummies are while still snacking on the honey roasted nuts on the coffe table. So take away that key focus point, what is it you want to focus on this Christmas time?
I’m reminded of the first Christmas, there were no traditions then, and the climate was a bit closer to the heat I’m in right now, Mary and Joseph were very far away from their families and friends and everything they knew, but they weren’t alone and it was the most special Christmas of all. Their joy was pure, and their focus was the miracle child in the manger. They celebrated where they were, with who was by their sides and with what they had available to them and they enjoyed the moment.
Take away the hassle of the preparations, trying to get everything perfect and just live in the joy of the holiday. Now we are going to open our makeshift stockings (upside down Santa hats) and drink some mimosas and eat pancakes on the beach, then our Christmas dinner will probably consist of pad Thai, which I’m sure we will eat until we’re stuffed like a turkey!
Wherever you are and whoever you’re with I wish you all a very merry Christmas!
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