When Christmas Isn’t the Happiest Time of the Year
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With the joyful endings of cheesy, Hallmark movies, comes the subconscious expectation that somehow during Christmas, everyone will get along, then snowflakes will fall at precisely the right time and in a perfect quantity.
I Didn’t Care About Starving Kids in Africa
It was Christmas morning. The whole family was together, even though most of the children were married and starting their own families. We were about to open presents.
He Knows If You’ve been Knotty or Nice
“It can’t be done,” my friend said matter-of-factly. We were in the process of decorating our very own “Christmas tree”—made up of stacked Starbucks paper cups—and wanted to wrap glittery garlands around it.
When My Christmas Tree Fell Over
This year, my husband and I bought a real Christmas tree. It was our first; I was ecstatic. You see, when I was young in China, I could only get my hands on plastic trees.
Christmas: Not Just Another Celebration
I have always lived in countries that have only two seasons: dry and wet. So to me, December has always been about Christmas and cool, rainy days, making it the best time of the year.
Could Christmas be About Abraham too?
Have you ever received a lovely gift and thanked the giver appropriately, only to realize later that it was homemade? Suddenly the significance of the gift grows, because you now know that the giver had put in much effort and many hours into it, and your former expression of thanks doesn’t seem adequate any more.
Where’s the Joy This Christmas?
The weather has turned chilly. The sky is mostly overcast. Raindrops splatter the ground, as though someone forgot to turn off the sprinkler. December feels sorrowful.
Why I Set Up A Christmas Tree Every year
I’m fussy when it comes to Christmas trees. I like mine a certain way—no less than six feet (1.8m) tall, boughs filled out with green needly foliage, handmade ornaments, and twinkling (not flashing!) lights.
When It’s More Blessed To Give Than to Receive
For years, I dreaded Christmas and the social gatherings that came with it. While my friends and colleagues looked forward excitedly to exchanging presents and spending time with friends, I hated the idea of attending awkward barbecues with strangers.