It’s the time of year when we are all feverishly pulling out our favorites for what seems like a period that is both too short and too long.
Favorite Christmas movie? I really love the 1974 “A Year Without Santa Claus” because when that Heat Miser and Snow Miser get going, something in my soul dances.
Favorite Christmas song? If it’s to sing, then probably “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” If it’s on the radio, then definitely Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
Favorite Christmas cookie? Anything with chocolate, but I really love the chocolate peppermint cookies this time of year.
Christmas is a time when we can look back and reflect on years past and remember them with a certain clarity, because many of us have clear traditions that we uphold year after year. I won’t turn on Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving. I always hang this clear resin ballerina as the first ornament on my tree. And if my Christmas cards don’t go in the mail by the first week of December, nobody’s getting a Christmas card.
But something about this time of year also allows us to reflect on who we are and how we’ve changed over the years through our lifetimes. I remember sitting at the top of the steps, peeking into my stocking, and counting down the minutes until we could open presents on Christmas morning. Now, as someone who is a grown adult with no children, I sleep as long as my body allows me to!
I love and hate times like this where space feels thin between past, present and future, where memories are right on the surface and patterns or traditions feel very noticeable. We remember good and wonderful times of celebrating this season and many of us probably remember some not so good memories as well. I always pray fiercely for folks experiencing their “firsts” after someone they love dies, especially the first round of winter holidays. It feels like you’re hit in the face over and over again with traditions, memories, favorites and expectations.
It can be overwhelming.
It’s important to remember that whether we’re experiencing something for the first time or the one millionth time, traditions and favorites should be things that support us and not the other way around. Sometimes, I watch a different Christmas movie every night for days on end. Other times, I watch “The Grinch” and call it good. Sometimes, I make dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies. Other times, I grab a pack of Oreos.
Regardless of how you find yourself this season, whether “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” or this year seems to “stink, stank, stunk,” know that you’re not alone.
Peace be with you, dear ones.
The Rev. Meredith Harber serves Christ Lutheran Church, 128 N. Soldotna Ave. Worship is at 10 a.m. on Sundays in person or on Facebook Live. Christmas Eve services: 3 p.m. at Kenai Wildlife Refuge, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. traditional candlelight services.
