I think for me Christmas is both joyful and sorrowful, depending on what I focus on. Leaving behind all the preparations, the preparations themselves even are done to acknowledge what the day 'is' and what you want to do (give; worship; celebrate; etc), and so they are voluntary and nothing is right or wrong. Do what is true to you, and brings you peace or joy, and is possible. To try to improve another's situation, and one's own, even if for a moment.
That being said, I have long thought the 1st "Christmas" was on the run (for their lives), without much family, in the cold, and without a home or acceptance or much security. Pretty much Criterion A material. Yet it is called a "Wondrous and Holy Night" with the birth of the Prince of Peace, or Emmanuel (God-is-with-us), in Christianity. Somehow, it was joyful, not just despite everything but with it.
So this year I figure, since it is the only one I know I 'may' have (one never knows), or there may be a string that follows, I'm going to try to make it a good one. Since I figure if there was a 1st Christmas (for me I believe there was), then they 'get it' and I am in need of what it offers, maybe more in need than some. To that end, I think I have to think less. PTSD symptomology ruins or interferes with a lot, for me. I'd prefer it stays as a less unruly guest outside my door and heart this year, and I'm going to try to remember that every time something negative crowds out the reality of what Christmas means and signifies, and tries to make it negative instead.
That probably sounds stupid but it's the best I can verbalize it.
I wish everyone some happiness and peace. Even if it's under the covers (that's ok too).
That being said, I have long thought the 1st "Christmas" was on the run (for their lives), without much family, in the cold, and without a home or acceptance or much security. Pretty much Criterion A material. Yet it is called a "Wondrous and Holy Night" with the birth of the Prince of Peace, or Emmanuel (God-is-with-us), in Christianity. Somehow, it was joyful, not just despite everything but with it.
So this year I figure, since it is the only one I know I 'may' have (one never knows), or there may be a string that follows, I'm going to try to make it a good one. Since I figure if there was a 1st Christmas (for me I believe there was), then they 'get it' and I am in need of what it offers, maybe more in need than some. To that end, I think I have to think less. PTSD symptomology ruins or interferes with a lot, for me. I'd prefer it stays as a less unruly guest outside my door and heart this year, and I'm going to try to remember that every time something negative crowds out the reality of what Christmas means and signifies, and tries to make it negative instead.
That probably sounds stupid but it's the best I can verbalize it.
I wish everyone some happiness and peace. Even if it's under the covers (that's ok too).
Last edited: