5 Ways to Create the Christmas Spirit All Year Long
Photo by Toa Heftiba
It seems as though everyone I talk to lately is ready for Christmas. This has been a tough year, and I think people crave the warm feeling that Christmas time brings. I am usually one to wait until after Thanksgiving to start celebrating Christmas. This year, I'm feeling a little differently. I'm ready to sprinkle a few Christmas decorations here and there. I'm want to play some Christmas songs and watch a couple of Hallmark movies while drinking some hot chocolate...now.
This time of year also lets people reflect on the real reason for the season. I believe that people are craving the Christmas spirit because of the One who embodies the Christmas spirit. No, not Santa but Jesus.
Did you know that Christ is not Jesus' last name? Christ is who Jesus is, which is translated, the Anointed One and His Anointing. You could say the "Christmas spirit" is the "Anointed spirit." You know that warm feeling you have around Christmas time? Well, it is the same warm feeling that Christ brings every day to Christians - those who have decided to put Him on the inside of them.
Okay, I just heard someone say, "Well, I'm a Christian, and I don't have that warm fuzzy feeling on the inside of me like I used to." My question back would be, what have you done to cultivate Him and bring Him into your everyday life? At Christmas time, we change our home decor, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, even what we watch on TV. Everything looks, sounds, smells, and tastes like Christmas. All of these things we do this time of year helps to stir up the Christmas feelings. Well, just like you can do something to stir up the Christmas spirit, you can also stir up Christ in you (His anointing).
We can stir up the Christmas spirit on the inside of us every day by doing the following:
Be a Giver. "God so loved the world that He gave..." (John 3:16). Giving is one of the best ways to stir up the Christmas spirit. It is the way the Kingdom of God operates. So, find ways to give to others. Maybe you pay for someone's coffee in line or pick up an extra coffee for a co-worker. There are endless ideas to bless those in your life.
Cultivate Community. Christmas time brings people together through parties, concerts, and many other activities. The important point here is that we need each other. We are created to connect and have community. So how can you do that during the rest of the year? Don't just go to church but get involved in your church. Connect with like-minded individuals that will be there for you and with you when times get hard. Even if you can't meet in person, get active with an online group of believers.
Listen to praise and worship music. As a music teacher, I could give you a long list of how music has a powerful impact on the soul. The music you listen to affects your mind, will, and emotions, unlike anything else. Listening to Christmas music automatically puts you in the Christmas spirit. Likewise, listening to praise and worship music will automatically stir the Spirit on the inside of you and bring you peace and joy.
Be Thankful. I don't think I need to spend much time with this one. A grateful heart is a happy heart - plain and simple!
"Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalms 34:8). Part of the Christmas spirit is all of the yummy goodies! Likewise, a Christian is not complete without reading the Word of God. There is so much goodness, help, and healing that we need each and every day.
