Cheery & Bright, Really? How NOT to Enjoy Christmas as a Single Christian
You know what the point of this holiday season is, right?
Your best chance to prove to your friends and enemies that you have a picture-perfect, Hallmark-esque, social-media worthy life.
A life with all sorts of cozy comforts, winter retreats, lavish disposable income, expensive clothing…..but above all - the bragging rights of a spouse and a perfect family life.
Here are some ways to ensure you keep your eyes on what really matters this Christmas.
✨Remind yourself that you’re worthless without a spouse✨
You’re single….at Christmas? Ew!! Your purpose has only ever been to be attached to a mortal. You NEED another human to make you whole, acceptable and pleasing to the rest of society, and even to God!
Sure, you may say you’re a saved child of God, the King of Kings. The One who says He will bestow on you the choicest gifts that no mere human could compete with. Who says He’s moulding you, pruning you and blessing you with every spiritual blessing - this means nothing. You are nothing without a spouse, and don’t you forget it!
✨Dive deep into your unmet desires and frustrations✨
You really need to work on achieving every element of the ever-changing ‘ideal’ life, but even if you don’t, no worries! This is the perfect time to get all comfortable on your sofa and think about the many ways life has been unfair to you.
Some may use this season as a time to look outwards - to see how they can cheer and encourage another human.
But who has the time to think about others when your *own* worth needs so much attention? Since God is probably too busy to have your back, you’ve got to work overtime highlighting every instance of unfairness, every person who’s mistreated you. Other people have to take a back-seat, sorry - this season is about *you*.
✨Lavish your energy onto the frills✨
Remember - the spouse is only half the picture. You need the red & green, the smell of baking, the hot cocoa, the sparkling lights, shows, & parties to frame your ‘happy family life’ - they are clearly the ‘must-haves’ for lasting Christmas joy. Don’t skip any - hyperventilate if you must, shove people out of the queue, but ensure that each traditional holiday element is checked off of your list.
There are strange folks who choose to spend their effort on ‘non-documentables’, like a family member helped, a grudge put aside, a temper controlled, a stranger cared for. Sadly, they don’t realize that this completely fails to announce your high status to poor people - so what even is the point?
So there you have it - by tying your worth to human ideals, soaking in self-obsession and striving for a picture-perfect holiday, you’ll be all set to have a Christmas that’ll turn people Grinch-green with envy!
Clearly friends, this is not what this holiday ought to be about. Without a single bell, cookie, marshmallow, icicle or even a spouse - you can experience a Christmas that simply overflows your heart with warmth and thankfulness!
Just remember - this day is an anniversary.
That it’s two thousand odd years since the Divine put on flesh to walk with His creation.
That it’s two thousand odd years since a Person decided He would humiliate Himself (to the point of death) for his murderers’ ultimate good.
That it’s two thousand odd years since the Father showcased His master plan of unbelievable love and grace towards His wandering children.
When all the chimes stop, the music fades away, the all-encompassing sin-erasing, death-reversing, love of Christ remains. This is the joy of Christmas.