The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. The special songs, the classic movies, the mouthwatering cooking and baking, the cherished family moments—it all feels magical. I even get excited about playing Secret Santa. But amidst all the joy, there’s this small but persistent feeling that creeps in. It’s that “Charlie Brown moment,” you know the one, where you start questioning the overwhelming commercialism that seems to take over this beautiful season.
Wrestling with the “It’s All About What’s Under the Tree” Mentality
When my kids were little, the holidays were chaotic, especially with extended family in the mix. My in-laws especially seemed to believe that the holidays were all about the number (and price tags) of presents under the tree. It used to drive me nuts. I’d find myself frustrated, allowing that focus on materialism to steal the season’s joy right out from under me.
I wanted more for my kids than the “stuff” of Christmas. I wanted to teach them the deeper, richer side of the season. Could I show them that true joy wasn’t tied to shiny wrapping paper, but rather in moments, in gratitude, and most importantly, in giving?
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of my children. Somewhere along the way, they learned that it’s far more rewarding to give than to receive. Today, they pour into others, not just through monetary gifts, but also by giving their time and talents. They’ve grown to be thankful—whether for big blessings or small—and it fills my heart with joy.
A Reflection from Luke and a Lesson on Gratitude
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a story from the New Testament—a simple but powerful moment recounted in Luke 17. It’s the story of when Jesus healed ten men with leprosy. I’m sure you’ve heard it before:
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?’” (Luke 17:15-17 NIV)
This story always made me pause. I’d think, “How could nine people just walk away after being healed of something as devastating as leprosy? How could they not, at the very least, say thank you for a miracle that literally transformed their lives?” Honestly, I used to get a bit self-righteous about it, certain I’d never forget to go back if I were in their shoes.
But then I asked myself—would I? Do I?
A Hard Look at My Own Gratitude
The truth is, I’ve been guilty of being “one of the nine” more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve gotten so caught up in the excitement of receiving something—whether it’s a gift, a blessing, or even just a moment of peace—that I forget to give proper thanks. Sure, I might mumble a quick “thank you” or, worse, forget altogether as I move on to the next thing.
This story hit me in a new way recently. Just like those lepers healed by Jesus, I’ve received an incredible gift. I was given a new life. And not just on a physical level, but a spiritual one—a gift of grace, forgiveness, and love far greater than I could ever earn. Yet how often do I skip the deeper gratitude owed for that gift? How often do I overlook the small blessings or forget to praise Him for the miraculous ones?
The Challenge of Choosing Gratitude
This season, I’m challenging myself to take on the perspective of the lone leper who came back. To be intentional about pausing in the midst of holiday busyness to say “thank you,” and to praise the One who gave it all. I don’t want to just check off material to-dos or worry about surface-level things. I want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus, the ultimate gift.
To put it simply, I want to trade my “Charlie Brown” attitude of frustration and commercialism for Linus’ wisdom—the moment he reminds everyone what Christmas is really all about. It’s a time for gratitude, celebration, and recognition of the priceless gift we’ve been given in Jesus.
Merry Christmas—A Reminder for Us All
For me, this Christmas isn’t about how many presents I’ll buy, or how Pinterest-perfect my decorations look. It’s about reflecting on that extraordinary gift given long ago in a manger, showing my gratitude not just through words but through actions. It’s about choosing joy and finding contentment no matter what this season holds.
This year, I’ll strive to be one in ten. I’ll shout my praise. I’ll remember to say “thank you.” And I’ll carry that spirit of thankfulness with me long after the decorations are packed away and life returns to its routine. Merry Christmas to you—and happy birthday to Jesus. May we all find the peace and joy that comes with focusing on what truly matters. ❤️
