“The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” – Buddy the Elf.
I love Christmas movies. The inspiration, the joy, the celebration that takes place is magical. Cinema has found a way to capture Christmas miracle after Christmas miracle in a way that can get anyone in the holiday spirit. From unexpected proposals, to the adventures of a young boy home alone, to the saving of Christmas, to softening of cold hearts like Scrooge or the Grinch. One of my all-time favorites is Elf. Now, I know people either love or hate the movie, but regardless of your fondness towards it, I think it is one of the best depictions of Christmas in the world today. As I think about some scenes in the movie, we watch Buddy inspire people, spread Christmas cheer, and navigate New York City – bringing people together when many of them don’t care about the holiday or don’t believe in Christmas.
Now, you may be wondering, “How does that relate to our world?” Let me explain. In this era of a global pandemic, humanity divided, and political unrest; finding Holiday spirit has become increasingly difficult. From planning virtual gatherings, to viewing Christmas Eve Church service online, to the holiday’s spent apart due to quarantine, the list goes on. There are all these variables that personally, and I don’t think I’m alone here, make it feel like it’s harder to get in the Christmas spirit. Now, I know that Elf is a fictional movie about getting people to believe in Santa Claus, but there is an interesting correlation, between the belief in Santa and the belief in the love, togetherness and celebration of Christmas for humanity. After all, the reason for the season is to celebrate our Lord and Savior’s birth.
So how do we be more like Buddy? How do we find holiday spirit and spread Christmas cheer? Well, for starters, we need to believe and remember the reason for Christmas. Yes, it’s a season where we come together, exchange gifts to show love and appreciation, but ultimately, it’s a celebration of the birth of Christ. If there is one consistent truth in every Christian this year, it’s most likely that our faith has been put to the test. But the one constant that is never wavering and the very thing that will pull us through trials and tribulations, is Christ. As John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
We must believe that truth, and work to follow Christ and believe in His love. Once we establish that starting point, find a way to inspire or encourage others to get into the spirit of Christmas. I like to look at it as good deeds. And for those of you who may not identify as a Christian, that’s ok, this still applies. I remember a commercial years ago that was depicting acts of kindness and how they inspire and create a chain reaction. One person picks up someone’s purse that fell to the ground, that person then turns around and holds the door for someone, who then helps an elderly person across the street… you get it. What better time of year, or what better year in general to inspire change, encourage positivity and be the light in the world this year and during the holiday season. As Thomas Rhett say’s in one of his songs, “In a world full of hate, be a light. When you do somebody wrong, make it right. Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine, in a world full of hate, be a light.”
As we inch closer to Christmas, stress levels get higher, uncertainty begins to flood our minds. Whether it’s worrying about having money for gifts, or if we’ll get to spend the holiday with family, whatever it is… each day closer to December 25th can feel a little bit harder. But I firmly believe that doing unto others as we would like done unto us, will create a positive outlook and shift our perspective. It will adjust the lens in which we see the world around us. In turn focusing on the reason for the season and doing good, will do good in our own hearts. If we can achieve that I know that we can make this year, this holiday season just a little bit brighter. Every little bit helps. So, focus on the reason for the season, inspire good, find your holiday spirit. Spread Christmas cheer, the right way.
WORKOUT
Instead of an actual fitness workout, we are going to change it up a little. For this week, the challenge is to find something to do as a good deed.
This could be anything from paying for someone’s groceries, buying the person’s order in the drive-thru line, volunteering at your church or local community center, holding the door for someone, or offering to load someone’s groceries into their car…. The list goes on. It doesn’t have to include money, just something kind and good. Spread the Christmas spirit.
Hammer and Anvil 