Being ‘Home’ for Christmas

Jesus was born at home – for home is as much a feeling as it is a place

Thinking about writing this blog, I felt very uninspired, not a thought in my head.  Providentially, I heard two of my colleagues talking about not being “ready for Christmas.”

Wonder what being “ready for Christmas” means. Why not ask them? So I did. We had a conversation that spoke to my heart and I hope to theirs.

Each of them recognized so many “not dones” on their “to do” lists: baking, cleaning, cooking, shopping, wrapping, shipping, sending cards (US mail or electronic). Then there are the pre-Christmas programs, parties, social events that would be more fun if they were “ready for Christmas.”

One of the colleagues shared that each time she walks into her home, the first thing she sees are all the gifts that have to be wrapped and mailed. They would have been mailed on time but unforeseen events bumped all her Christmas tasks into second place – if not third or fourth. She then shared a moment of realizing Christmas is not a “to do list”; it’s a celebration much deeper than that.

Our other colleague mentioned that she had gone to church on Sunday (the day before this conversation) feeling anxious and worried. Then she related how her minister’s words helped her feel calmer. He reminded the congregation that Jesus wasn’t born at home. Circumstances prevented that comfort. Yet he was born surrounded and comforted by the love of his parents, Mary and Joseph. Jesus was born at home – for home is as much a feeling as it is a place. Being reminded that being “ready for Christmas” meant creating a home space for family and guests gave her a sense of peace.

Later, reflecting on our conversation, it occurred to me that the calmness, the peace, the sense of relief they felt came from a moment of stepping back, taking a breath and being given a new perspective.

It seems to me that that new perspective created a home, a free space, a quiet space, a breathing space; and that feeling of home made each woman feel much more “ready for Christmas.”

Ready or not, Christmas will come. Ready or not, our “to do” lists will be accomplished or not. Hopefully, ready or not, we will recognize and enter into that place inside ourselves where we know we are home.