2010 "Wrap Up"- White Christmas lessons

One of my favorite movies of all time, and definitely my favorite Christmas movie, is the film White Christmas starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. Every year, we watch it as a family at my mom's house on Christmas Eve, and have even performed musical numbers from it:


White Christmas movie poster:


About midway through the film, Bing and Rosemary sing a duet called "Counting Your Blessings." The message of this song has really stuck with me this holiday season. For some reason, I haven't felt the oober giddiness that I usually feel around Christmas time. I haven't felt the need to go out and buy new Christmas decorations, or go light looking EVERY night, or buy 4 Christmas albums (I only bought 1 this year)...I've just been going with the flow. It was kind of bothering me a bit. Here I am, known to my friends as the Spirit of Christmas Cheer, and I'm acting more like the Grinch or something. But it dawned on me the other day at Salvation Army why that's the case.

Justin and I went with some people from Ben Barber to the Salvation Army warehouse to help give the Angel Tree presents to the families. Justin got stuck on parking duty, and my job was to take the numbered form from the family, roll my shopping cart to the box that matched the number, and get the presents from the box to the tables for the families to "check out." However, there were more than a couple of boxes:




We were there for a little over 3 hours helping out. There were families there serving with their kids, and people just by themselves wanting to help out. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at just how blessed I am in this season of my life.

This year has been an absolute whirlwind. I went from single and jobless last year to engaged and loving my job. I have had resolution in some major conflict, I've made some amazing friendships, and I've gained an entire family of more people who love me. There is no way to put into words what I feel that I owe God. And the crazy part is is that He doesn't ask for anything in return...such is grace. In Christmases past, I think that I've been so "Christmasy" in order to compensate for some of the uncertainty and loneliness I've felt. But this year, I feel extremely content and at peace. I feel like I can appreciate the reason for the season, which is Jesus.

If you are tired of the commercialism of Christmas, or are discouraged in any way, I challenge you to count your blessings tonight before you go to sleep. I'm saying a prayer for you as I type, that you will be able to experience the magic of love and togetherness this Christmas, wherever you are. :)