While I realize that some stores put out Christmas decorations in July, I have always felt it was disrespectful to the Thanksgiving holiday to not wait until the day after to hose down the house with all things celebrating the birth of Sweet Infant Baby Jesus. This year I am not even sure where we are going to be for Christmas Day so I am reluctant to even think about my usual five decorated trees and four nativities. It is a whole lot of work and I don't need one more thing to pack....and I don't have the time. I really don't.
I wrestle with the question of how it will effect my Christmas spirit if I don't go all out like normal. Is playing Elvis' Blue Christmas album and the concession of one tree enough? It is hard to suppress my inner Martha Stewart and not make every square inch of my home scream Christmas.
I admit it. I bought into this commercialization of the infant savior's birth a long time ago. Hook, line, and sinker. I actually enjoy the decorating and embrace the creativity that comes with it....but really...what is this holiday really about? Is baby Jesus displeased with us for not lighting things up so they can be seen from space? Would He be happy about the hours spent decorating everything that will stand still? Is the purpose of it all killing yourself trying to find the holy grail of gifts for each person you've ever met?
Maybe this year, in honor of simplicity....in honor of my grandmother...in honor of the true meaning of Christmas I will focus on the things that would please Sweet Infant Baby Jesus and let go of (most) all the superficial, commercial, meaningless decorations. Just this year. Maybe. Okay...maybe just one tree.
I'm still playing my Elvis music...."I'll have a blue Christmas without you"...cause Christmas is not Christmas without the King...both of them!
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