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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.

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Sister Denise Wilkinson

Sister Denise Wilkinson

Sister Denise was the general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 2006-2016. She previously served as a high school teacher, college administrator, postulant/novice director and director of advancement and communications for the Congregation. Currently, Sister Denise serves the Congregation in various volunteer positions.

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6 Comments

  1. Debbie on December 21, 2017 at 7:19 am

    Thank you, S. Denise, for your lovely thoughts of being ‘home’ for Christmas. May peace and joy fill your Christmas season and follow you through 2018.

  2. Avatar Carol Nolan, SP on December 21, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    Thanks for these words of wisdom, Denise! Much needed.

  3. Avatar Pat Ruck on December 21, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Thanks for your wisdom.
    Wishes of love, peace & joy to you.
    Pat Ruck, PA

  4. Avatar Nell on December 23, 2017 at 12:32 am

    “Home is as much a feeling as it is a place” Yes! Thanks for this timely reminder, Denise!

  5. Avatar Rita Clare Gerardot, SP on December 23, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    I feel blessed to be “Home” here at the Woods this 2017 Christmas! Joy and peace abound in people’s faces, words and actions and all the beautiful decorations inside and out add to the beauty of this very special season of LOVE and JOY!

    S. Rita Clare Gerardot

  6. Avatar S. Kay Manley on January 4, 2018 at 10:09 am

    Denise,
    My sister-in-law, Patty wanted to be “Home for Christmas” and she was. She went “home” on December 23. The pictures making up the power point shown at the viewing was titled “Home for Christmas” Thank you for your beautiful reflection.
    S.Kay Manley

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