How NOT to Have a National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
You know how we can sometimes build things up in our minds, especially concerning holidays or events? We have these expectations or standards that no one can live up to. That’s actually an iconic statement from the classic movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation from Ellen Griswold to Clark Griswold about his anticipation of a fun old-fashioned family Christmas…..”you set standards no one can live up to.” She also tells her daughter, who’s complaining about relatives visiting……….”what can I say, it’s Christmas and we are all miserable.”
Why do we do that? Have these visions of grandeur then feel let down when things don’t go perfectly? Christmas is supposed to be a time filled with joy as we celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior……. Glory to the newborn king. The angels and the shepherds are celebrating but what about the rest of us? There are pressures that go along with this time of year that involve spending time with family and friends, or just lots of spending. People can get the “Christmas Blues.”
Maybe the celebrations of this season involve arguing or include sad reminders of people who are absent now. Either way, some feelings of pressure or sadness or regret or loss can pervade this time of year. How can we be carefree? How can we have a joyful attitude that’s focused on our Savior? How can we celebrate the true reason for the season?
Some suggestions…….Daily focus on God’s greatest gift, His son. And, don’t over plan events. Ask God to help you with planning events that are centered on Him. Try an act of service as a gift to our Savior. During get-togethers, share fun memories of your loved ones who are not present as you celebrate Christmas and honor their legacy. If tension with a family member is involved, ask God to help you see them through HIS eyes.
Prayer: Help us to be loving to others as we celebrate God’s love at this time of year. Help us be God-focused and other-focused.
I think of Clark Griswold’s love towards his niece and nephew as he unexpectedly provides Christmas for them in the movie. Maybe when we are enabled through our faith to love one another well, especially those in need, then we can be closely connected to God and can feel peace and joy this time of year.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
flourishings.blog 