I often have a hard time finding my inner Christmas spirit. I feel like Christmas has become a crazy holiday and few really think about the Savior. I sometimes wonder why we all get so wrapped up in this time of year.
Why do we stress ourselves out over gifts and parties and perfection? Why do we try to find the perfect presents for others? Why do we buy presents at all? Why don't we do service for others all of the time? Why don't we love each other all year round?
I don't know if my questions will ever be answered or if I will ever fully change how I feel about Christmas. But last week I found a little piece of my Christmas spirit. I was able to participate in an activity involving Japanese sisters from here in Okinawa. The people involved wanted to teach them about the American traditions of Christmas. The delight and enthusiasm of the Japanese women reminded me of children learning about Christmas for the first time. It was....refreshing.
We divided into four different groups. I drove my group to the homes of those participating. At each home, the Japanese sisters experienced a little bit of Christmas in the US. The first home introduced them to Christmas decorations and caroling. We even went to the next door neighbors and sang a couple of Christmas songs. It was wonderful to hear "Joy to the World" in English and Japanese. Next, they learned about Christmas cards. The wonderful American sisters explained what we do with Christmas cards and even helped the Japanese woman make a card. Third, we learned about the symbols of Christmas. This was my favorite because we sat around a fire and learned that the decorations, tree, colors, and gifts of Christmas all have a significance and are connected to helping us remember Christ. It is what I needed to hear because I was beginning to feel like all that we did had little to do with the Savior. Finally, the Japanese sisters were introduced to the art of Christmas cookie decorating--a very wonderful part of Christmas!
I am very glad I was able to participate in this activity. I know that my heart needed it. I haven't completely found my Christmas spirit, but I am one step closer.
3 comments:
Thats is really awesome, thanks for sharing!
You know I really needed to hear this today...Thanks for posting it and Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!
What a cute activity!! I bet those women will remember that forever. It's always nice to try to incorporate the Savior in our fluster of the Christmas season! I think gift giving is a big part of Christmas...just as the wise men presented gifts to Jesus. We present gifts to those we love to show how we are so glad they are in our lives. Just as the wise men felt when Jesus was born. But gift giving does get out of control sometimes and that ruins the whole concept of it! May we always remember how the wise men felt and feel that way as we give gifts. :)
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