This has been a Christmas season like no one can remember. December has the reputation of being one of the busiest months of the year. This year, I am hearing the opposite from young and old alike. Kids are bored because they aren’t in school and miss their holiday programs and parties. Adults don’t enjoy office or church Christmas parties. Even many families are canceling or scaling down their Christmas celebrations. We are missing attending plays, basketball games, and concerts. It is a special treat this year just to be able to go out to eat! In another ironic twist of 2020, we are having what we never thought possible–a slow December with a boring Christmas.
Four thoughts on handling a boring December.
- Choose to embrace and enjoy the slower pace. Every other year we complain about busyness and the stress of the season. Just like fickle humans, we now have too much time so we lament our boredom. Embrace the slow pace as a rare holiday opportunity. Choose to see the time at home as an opportunity that isn’t normally afforded this time of year.
- Find ways to pour love into others who are struggling. Some folks are really struggling this year; older people in particular who have been so limited in their activities all year. Now the days are short, the nights long, and there is nothing to look forward in many people’s week. Simple gestures of taking someone a poinsettia, giving Christmas cookies, calling a friend, sending a card, or going for a walk in the neighborhood together can make a huge difference. Instead of feeling down about your slow life, choose to bless someone who is hurting! You will gain joy too.
- Allow this boring December to cause you to appreciate the busy Decembers of past and future. December is a time of reflection of holidays past. We remember our childhood or times when our kids were young. This year we are missing some annual traditions. Choose to reflect and be grateful for those busy activities filled with fellowship, laughter, and conversation. Maybe we enjoyed our busy Decembers far more than we realized. Consider what you are going to cherish even more in 2021 because you didn’t get to do it this year.
- Don’t miss the essence of the season because of boredom. Each year we hear warnings of not missing the “reason for the season” because of all the chaos, busyness, and materialism of the holidays. This year we need to remind ourselves that the meaning of the holidays is not changed because of our social calendars. Christmas is still a time when we as a culture can reflect upon Christ coming to this earth to save mankind. It is still a time of love, joy, and celebration with family and for what they mean to us. December was never really about the activities and chaos, it was about the people and the love we share for one another. A boring Christmas could help us celebrate and embrace those closest to us even more. This year, maybe we can not only give presents, but also our presence like never before.
