I recently read something that said something along the lines of: “I realised that all that Christmas joy I felt as a child was just my mother who really loved me a lot.”

When I reminisce, I can confirm this statement. Christmas and Easter were my mother’s favourite times of the year. She went ALL OUT! Every year, on the 16^th of December, the trimmings had to be up already. It had to remain up until 16^th January of the following year. Why? I have no idea. When I asked her why, she would just say it is because she likes it that way.

No matter how anyone else felt about Christmas or Easter, she did things a certain way because the birth and crucifixion of Christ was utmost important to her. She knew that it might not even be on that exact day, but to her it was about the fact that the events happened, no matter the date.

Now, needless to say, she was a routine-person. She never liked things to change too much, especially on specific days like these. Once upon a time she used to make sure that every single child in the family received a gift too. At home, she would have a Christmas tree, trimmings on the ceiling and walls and everywhere until the decorations are up. She would prepare food for all the hungry children in Africa, LOL, and deserts galore. Trifle would always be there, no matter what. The Christmas music would be loud and lovely.

When she passed away, Christmas was no longer like Christmas. I no longer felt the need to go all out. I just didn’t “feel” it. This usually happens when a mother passes, or the one who made Christmas feel joyful passes away.

However, no matter how we feel about the festivities of Jesus’ birth, He WAS born, and it is still cause for celebration. It is not necessary to go all out, but the acknowledgment is still important. We cannot just shove it one side because our loved one passed away. I totally get that the “Christmas feeling” is no longer there, but the birth of Jesus doesn’t need a Christmas feeling, it just needs you to acknowledge his birth, the way you want your birthday acknowledged every year… and you did not even come to save the world.

And besides… you might not be feeling it anymore, but you might have a little one who still needs to ‘feel it’. You might still have another parent or in-laws who still ‘feel it’. It could now be your turn to be the one who brings the Christmas joy. This year, my brother decided to do something fun for Christmas that involves the family too. Although I might not have the Christmas ‘feeling’, I know that being around family during this festive season, is still better than being alone while there ARE people who would like to spend it with you.

Christmas without your loved one is still Christmas. Jesus was born. It’s His Birthday!