Shiny holiday baubles weigh down December for most in the Western world. The holiday party at work, the neighborhood cookie exchange, the potlucks, the tree cutting and decorating, the white elephant gift exchange, putting up the lights, the school parties, buying the gifts, the mall runs, the gift wrapping...the list could go on and on. The month that is supposed to be celebrating the Prince of Peace turns into a fleet of chaos, stress, and anxiety.
In Thailand, Christmas is different. Christmas is only celebrated by Thai Christians. Others have heard of the day, but have no idea of its meaning. One of my Thai friends admitted, "Before I was a Christian, I thought Santa Claus was Jesus." The positive side of this fact is that the celebrations that do take place are more centered on Christ.
What if we took some pointers from the simplified, yet Christ-rooted Thai Christmas? Here are three examples...
1. Take a tradition like caroling. The students visited neighbors, shops, and other ministries, not only singing carols in Thai, English (and Feliz Navidad because it's catchy), but they also praying and encouraging the families they visited.
2. Parties. Simple is okay.
Just include the reason we're celebrating.
3. Self-control...words only used with "no" or "none" in December for most of us born in America. Can you believe, we actually had to work hard at giving away our Christmas cookies? That was because everyone just at one!
Have a wonderful holiday!
And don't get too busy to remember...
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