Lull in the Holidays

Or at least that’s true for most of us in the United States who treat Christmas as over on the 25th of December and begin gearing up for a New Year’s bash. (Though, in truth, it’s mostly been quiet celebrations at home for my wife and me for many years now.) Much to my wife’s chagrin, I’ve never been particularly “into” the American style of Christmas celebration. I’m not really sure why. My childhood experiences of Christmas are all over the map, but I don’t recall any particularly negative experiences. My interest in our particular expression of the “holiday season” simply … faded … as I entered preteen and teenage years and never returned.

As a Christian, I’ve tried in various ways over the past decade-plus to connect to the particular celebration of the Nativity of Christ. That’s not been easy since it seems like relatively few American churches actually maintain much connection to anything traditionally Christian in their celebrations. Most follow the American rhythm of intensifying efforts at celebration that culminate and end on the 25th of December rather than the Christian rhythm of preparation for the Nativity followed by a feast that begins on the 25th and continues through January 6th.

I guess I’m just not much interested in another day the quality of which is primarily distinguished by how much you do or do not like the stuff you received from others. I’m a bit of a humbug that way, I suppose.

For those who might be wondering, I haven’t vanished. I was sick before Christmas with a bad cold. And then we had guests using the room where my computer sits. I like having family over, but it does mean that I have less access to my computer. I actually have a number of things bouncing around my head that I want to translate into written words at some point. But I’m in no particular rush at the moment to do so. Still, there will likely be some posts straggling out over the next few days.

I hope everyone stays safe and has a happy New Year celebration of whatever sort they choose!