Christmas and the Gift of Gratitude
- By Emily Kieson
- Published Monday 24th 2007
Emily Kieson
Emily currently lives in Austin TX and spends most of her time writing and enjoying the weather. She loves to write stories and screenplays for all ages. When she's not writing, Emily is teaching horseback riding, working as a vet tech, or painting.
The holidays, besides consisting of frantic last-minute gift exchanges, stress, and little sleep, can be the best time to find a minute or two for thanks. Christmas has a tendency to overwhelm us with gifts and commercialism. After the dishes are clean and the paper discarded, take a small moment to rejoice in the beauty of the holidays.
Even those who are neither religious nor christian will find that there is little else to do on Christmas besides spending time either by yourself or with others. No stores are open and few activities exist beyond home-based events. Yes, you could sit and watch television all day if you wanted and there may be a few movie theaters that are open, but you'll still find yourself, just for a moment, in a place with little activity beyond that of the holilday.
Although I'm not spending the holiday alone, it will be quiet. I remember growing up how all of our holidays were frantic explosions of gift wrap, bagels, and the wonderful visits to friends. Although the gifts and visits have tapered off over the years, my family
And, for those of you who are like me and work A LOT, Christmas can be a strange day with little productivity. Although it can be frustrating, this free time is also a gift.
At some point tomorrow, after all the frantic holiday activities have subsided, I'll take the time and look at my world and all the wonderful people that surround me. I'll hug my dog and sip a cup of hot chocolate while watching the sunset. I'll probably play a game with my mother and call a friend or two to wish them a happy holiday. But, right before I fall asleep, in that moment of quiet that I'll have all to myself, I'll find an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the gifts that life has given me over the last year.
Like others I have had my share of challenges and lessons, but I have been blessed by love and prosperity, too. Christmas day is the perfect time to reflect on the wonders of your own family and beauty that surrounds you.
Either that or you can watch all the Christmas spectaculars on television and simply admire the quality of your new HD TV.
