Andy Lee
The best Christmas present I think I’ve ever received was the Playstation One back in 1995. It was the best so I barely slept in the run up to Christmas Day. I was too excited. I knew what it was because I had already asked for it, and took my dad (or rather, made him take me) to John Lewis to buy it for me. But I had to wait. So wait I did. Anxiously. Excitedly. In an ‘I-really-can’t-wait’ kind of way.
The most useful presents I’ve ever received are underwear and socks. The most useless, and therefore recyclable, presents I’ve received are photo frames, candles, and mugs. They’re the ones you can re-wrap and give away again. If I can, I’d even try to retain the wrapping by peeling the edges enough to see what it is first.
My favourite impersonal presents have got to be Ferrero Rochers, and the famous M&S Belgian Biscuit Collection. They’re always welcome and assist greatly in giving me that extra inch or two of insulation around my waist to get me through the bitterly cold English winter.
Christmas is a great excuse to ask for and, fingers crossed, get what you want. Things that you struggled to persuade your loved one(s) to get for you are easier this time of year than any other – ‘Tis the season after all! But what else is it a good excuse for? Since it only comes around once a year, let’s make sure we take full advantage:
• Excuse for Spending
Last year, the average family spent more than £800 celebrating Christmas, with most of it spent on food and drink, as well as decorations. Many people feel pressure to spend more than they can afford, due to media advertising, and wanting to make others happy. Pressure also comes from wanting to reciprocate other people’s generosity towards you, regardless of any differences in job status or earnings. Naturally, this kind of spending can carry itself over into the new year in the form of debt. There are definitely better ways to kick off the new year!
• Excuse for Food
I have already declared my love for posh biscuits. It’s so easy to take a break from whatever normal routine you’re used to and indulge yourself that little bit more. From mince pies to puddings, beer to sparkling champagne to Christmas cupcakes, it’s all there for the taking!
• Excuse for Parties
I love seeing people that I haven’t seen as much as I’d wanted earlier in the year. Christmas provides that reason to gather together and be together. To enjoy each other’s company, catch up and beat them at Monopoly. And then Taboo, followed by Settlers of Catan. It’s a time of much laughter and fun.
• Excuse to Give
We receive and give gifts in our circles of family and friends. What about those outside of our circles, that are desperate for the kind of love that we have to offer? Operation Christmas Child has helped over 124 million children experience God’s love through the power of simply shoebox gifts sent to over 150 countries. A small shoebox. But an eternal impact. Who else and what else can you give to? In doing so you are recognising the blessed life you have, as well as the needs of the bigger world in which we live.
• Excuse to go to Church
I love my Church, and maybe I’m biased, but I’m pretty sure my Church puts on the best Christmas services anywhere. It’s fun for all the family with games, costumes, festive food, choirs, plays and meaningful messages throughout. If you don’t normally go to Church, why not find one to attend this year? At the very least you’ll meet some people and eat some free mince pies. My prayer is that you’ll come away with something more than that though, something that can change your life. Wouldn’t that just be the best start to the new year?
I wish you a very happy Christmas. May you find time to celebrate with loved ones over wonderful food and drink. May you be able to rest and find quiet times to restore your energy. May you find time to reflect over the past twelve months, and give thanks that you made it through. May you find an opportunity or two to be a part of a generous cause that opens up your own heart and helps you look outwards, beyond your own community. May you find a deeper meaning to all of this during this time, something that touches your very soul, that will still be there long after the tree and all the decorations are put away again for another year. And may you win Monopoly, and be crowned champion for another year.