Holiday Whimsy and Christmas Reality
I love to look at the catalogs we receive in the mail or online this time of the year. The catalogs I receive are full of merchandise you don't find in everyday stores. That's for the rest of the year. I like to look at seasonal catalogs like Bits and Pieces, What on Earth, Signals, Acorn, or some other merchandise catalogs full of Holiday whimsy and Christmas reality.
So lately, I have been looking for shirts, blouses, and sweatshirts full of whimsy, witty, cheeky, or even snarky sayings as gifts for relatives and friends. Here are some samples from shirts in these catalogs with some Holiday whimsy.
These sayings apply mainly to middle-aged people. Read on, brave ones!
“My parents think they’re in charge. That’s so cute.” ‘My housekeeping style is best described as: “There appears to have been a struggle.” ‘Sawdust is man glitter.’ “Am I working from home or living at work?” “Sometimes I stay inside because it’s just too ‘peoply’ out there.” “Just because I’m awake doesn’t mean I’m ready to do things.” “Don’t rush me. I’m waiting for the last minute.” “Just be happy I’m not a twin.” ‘TO MY CHILDREN: “Never make fun of having to help me with the computer stuff: I taught you how to use a spoon.” “I’m going to lie under the Christmas tree to remind my family that I am a gift.” ‘HUNKLE: Like a normal uncle but way better looking.’ “Looks aren’t everything, but I have them just in case.” “I am here. What are your other two wishes?”
The following sayings have more to do with seniors. Read on, wise ones!
‘BOOKS: The original hand-help device.’ “Before we work on Artificial Intelligence, why don’t we do something about Natural Stupidity.” ‘90% of being married is yelling “What?” from other rooms.’ “I had my patience tested. I’m negative.” ‘Never underestimate an old man with a muscle car.’ “I’m not getting old – I’m outlasting my warranty.” “I don't rise and shine – I caffeinate and hope for the best.” ‘Getting older is just one body part after another saying: “Ha-Ha! You think that was bad. Watch this!” ‘Being Twenty in the ’70s was more fun than being Seventy in the ’20s.’ ‘One day, you are young, and the next moment, you have a favorite pharmacy.’ “Mom – Grandma – Great Grandma: I just keep getting better.” ‘The proper term for ‘Senior’ women should be Queen-Agers.’
These sayings below apply to almost everyone.
“Keep the gate closed. Don’t let the chickens out, no matter what they tell you!” ‘NOVINOOPHOBIA: The fear of running out of wine.’ “I don’t care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives.” “In my defense, I was left unsupervised.” ‘Programming is 10% writing code and 90% understanding why it’s not working.’ “Bigfoot saw me, but nobody will believe him.” ‘YOU MATTER, unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light, then YOU ENERGY.’ ‘In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods; they have never forgotten this.’
The following sayings are for Christ-followers and future Christ-followers yet to come. Read on, Spirit-filled carriers and couriers.
‘Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible.’ ‘Lord, keep your hand around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.’ “Don't make me use my Pastor's voice!” ‘God – “Underestimate me, that’ll be fun.” “Dear God. I don’t want to go through things that don’t kill me but make me stronger anymore.”
If I were reading this article like you somewhere, I think I would feel better and even have a laugh or two. The Bible says that laughter is good medicine. Why do I like to get you laughing? When you are laughing, your mouth is open. That’s when God puts in the medicine.
OK, we've had some Holiday whimsy. Let's conclude this article with some short and sweet Christmas reality.
Years ago, just before Christmas, our college-aged son Jon told my wife and his mother something like the following: “Mom, I remember how magical Christmas time used to be as a kid, but that magical feeling is going away. Mom, I’m having trouble seeing the Christmas in Christmas.” What was Becky’s sage response to Jon? “Jon, as you get older, you’ll find the magic of Christmas is in making it magical for somebody else.” I like Becky’s response. Whether it’s your future children or other children, neighbors, or those less fortunate, you make it magical for somebody else.
There’s a season in our lives for seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. That season is for receiving. This season, Christmas is filled with magic, awe, and wonder. As we get older, there comes a season for seeing Christmas through the eyes of God. You recover the magic of Christmas, but differently, when you discover the joy and gravitas in giving, making Christmas magical for your children or others.
“For God so loved that God gave….” Christmas reveals the essence of God. The joy and magic of Christmas come when you realize that 'freely you have received, now freely give' when and where you can. Just be nice. Just be kind. Receive the Christ in Christmas. It's that simple.
Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Here’s the magic of Christmas. Make Christmas magical for somebody else. That’s what Jesus did, and you can too.
Ed Delph/December 4, 2023/CCC