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As the final hours wind down toward the official arrival of Christmas 2023, many people, weary from the hustle and bustle of trying to create a perfect holiday for family and friends, nevertheless are already looking ahead to after-Christmas sales, parties and other holiday-related activities and events.
It is almost as if the holiday itself has been relegated to second or third place on individuals' priority lists, but that is not what should be occurring.
Stop, take time to relax, and during that time reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the many things about which you can feel fortunate and thankful.
If you are feeling too exhausted to engage in such a thought exercise by yourself, pick up some helpful resources that, for many households, are at their fingertips at this time of the year.
We're referring to those Christmas cards that you have received during the past several weeks, glanced at quickly, then set aside for some later time that might or might not ever be available.
Not only might some of those cards contain personal writings from a friend or relative; the words in the card written by someone you probably never will know personally oftentimes deliver the right, most appropriate message nonetheless.
"May the blessings of Christmas strengthen your heart and warm your home with faith, hope and love" is a common card theme expressed many different ways. But it is a message that is hardened into the foundation of this holiday, and people would do well to reflect on how specifically it applies to their own particular circumstances, beliefs and attitudes.
Meanwhile, a card with the message "In this loveliest of seasons, may you find many reasons for happiness" can provide beautiful incentive to, in one's own mind, list those reasons and feel blessed in having them as a basis for feeling optimistic, going forward.
Christmas is as much about the future as it is about the past and present, and cards extending wishes for a bright and beautiful new year, as well as for the holiday upon us, express the breadth of the Christmas experience.
"May peace surround us, may hope live in our hearts, may love bring us together" is a card message to which every individual and family can ascribe.
Open your mind and heart, also, to messages delivered via cards stating thoughts like "As we journey through this season, wishing you those things that touch your heart, renew your spirit and bring blessings to your world," remember to impart those kind intentions in a way that can help others "pay forward" that spirit of goodness.
Worth reflecting upon during these last hours before Christmas, then during many future Christmas Eves, are the words written in Pittsburgh Catholic magazine in 2011 by the Rev. Thomas J. Burke, who at that time was pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Braddock, Pa.
"Christmas season is a time for memories," he began. "We all can pause and reflect on those special times that we were with family and friends celebrating the birth of Christ and spending quality time with loved ones with a meal and sharing Christmas presents. Christmas can also be a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer physically here but are spiritually with us."
Don't allow after-Christmas activities to erode the importance of that which is before us today.