Ya can’t force Christmas

Posted by on December 20, 2014

It’s amazing what a moment of peace can do.
I’m sitting in front of our Christmas tree, the fire going, with a glass of egg nog. It’s 6 am and still dark outside.
The moment of peace is stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season. This year, I have spent more time, energy and money than ever before trying to make this season magical for the people I love.
And yet it is still a far cry from what others invest in the holiday.
My anxious and worried heart wonders, “what if it’s not enough? What if Christmas morning comes and my husband and family are still disappointed in what they received? What if there are no shining eyes or exclamations of “thank you.” What if they don’t feel the magic of Christmas?
My quiet moment this morning provided some beautiful answers for me that I would love to share. I opened to Luke 2 to read the account of the saviors birth. It occurred to me that he gave literally everything he had. None of it was made from Pinterest board. None of it was bought at the store. None of what he gave was, in the world’s eyes, shiny, glamorous or beautiful. But he literally gave all.
Few said “thank you.” Many more even complained that what he gave them was not what they wanted.
I feel like I have invested everything I have into making this holiday wonderful for those I love. And yet, in that preparation I have found a beautiful lesson that has brought me closer to my Savior. It is the lesson of agency. We have a beautiful opportunity to take advantage of the atonement, believe in our Savior, and feel his love and peace. He gives freely. But it’s up to the recipient to accept that gift with a thankful heart.
My lightbulb moment this Christmas: It is not up to us to create magic for others. Rather it is up to each of us individually to find the magic in Christmas.
Not everyone will. And while that is unfortunate, it is a lesson to me in how the Savior must feel when we refuse to draw close to him.
Each of us has the ultimate ability to choose for ourselves. A big part of growing as a person on this earth is learning to accept the choices of others. We cannot force happiness on anyone, nor should we try.
As long as we give our unconditional love, it will always be enough. No matter what is under the tree.
Will you find the wonder in Christmas?

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