Our daughter Tamia is the victim of divorced parents and because of this, she could face some uncomfortable moments around Christmas. Normally, children of divorced parents get to spend Christmas with one or the other and it alternates every other year. That’s how it typically works.
The problem
The problem is she can’t be with everyone on Christmas or can she? Anytime you’re faced with a problem, you need to begin thinking of a solution. Tamia’s problem is no different than anyone else’s problem; with various family dynamics, we can’t be with everyone we’d like to be with on Christmas.
The solution
Now for the solution. In short, we moved Christmas. Does the date really matter? As I think about it, no one can prove that Jesus’ birthday was 12/25. In fact there’s more evidence to the contrary. I believe the point of it all is that we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus.
In finding the best solution, we asked one question. What’s wrong with celebrating more than once? Doesn’t Jesus deserve more than just one day of celebrating? I know Tamia does. We want her to experience days like Christmas more than once a year. I’m sure Jesus wouldn’t mind more of us celebrating HIM more than once a year.
Everyone benefits
Since we moved Christmas, Tamia gets to spend Christmas with both sides of her family. She gets to do the whole thing twice. I know if I were a kid, I’d love to do it twice. Twice the gifts. Twice the excitement. Twice the family traditions. You name it. She is very fortunate because she gets to celebrate twice.
Tamia isn’t the only beneficiary. Our family members get to spend Christmas with both sides as well. Maybe their spouses have Christmas plans and now the family can attend both celebrations without rushing from one house to another all in one day. You’re not Santa Claus you know, you can’t make every spot in one day. Spread it out a little and make the celebration last longer. The beauty and meaning of Christmas returns. We get to slow down and enjoy Christmas in a better way. We get to relax and restore order to a day that for so many brings disorder.
Today is Friday – the Friday before Christmas!
How can planning for a better Christmas make this one and future ones the best ever for you and your family?
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
[…] you have notes and ideas on what you’d like to change, the tough part is always in the doing. How do you make it happen? I suggest you partner with family members, especially children. You may be wondering why children, […]