Opinion: Our Christmas Plans Failed, But Faith Endures

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I have always been a creature of habit. This includes Christmas traditions, both religious and secular. Since my children were young, a childhood friend and I have celebrated Christmas Day together, along with his extended family. The Ukrainian Christmas on January 7 is reserved for our respective families.

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But life-changing events like new spouses and in-laws, and long-distance moves, exacerbated by COVID restrictions, have brought home the reality that Christmas isn’t static, it’s meant to be recreated year after year. year with only minor adjustments. Old traditions become more difficult to maintain as family dynamics evolve. Such changes can create feelings of discomfort in those for whom nostalgia, especially at Christmas, plays a significant role.

Last Christmas, the COVID protocol forced us to make certain sacrifices. This year, while we hoped to return to that sense of normalcy that traditions inspire, sacrifices are needed once again.

When our carefully laid out plans fail, how can we navigate change in a positive and constructive way?

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Volunteering at soup kitchens or shelters is a selfless way to spread Christmas cheer. Reconnecting with lost family or friends, especially those who might otherwise have a lonely Christmas, can be deeply meaningful.

In our home, Christmas Eve has always included a joyous church celebration filled with lessons and carols. But with Omicron cases increasing at an alarming rate, our Church Council has deemed it prudent to cancel planned in-person services, favoring Zoom instead. The carols have been prerecorded, as facilitating singing in unison is not one of Zoom’s easy-to-use features. Just a few weeks ago, we looked forward to being together, albeit through masks, socially estranged, proof of vaccination in hand. Now I will be the only member of the congregation present, as my husband, a Lutheran pastor, officiates. This scenario is not new, as Sunday in-person services were canceled when COVID cases first spiked. But now our hope for relief from COVID restrictions has faded. How sad to see a festively decorated church without its celebrators. How sad for us that there will be no handshakes, hugs, or warm greetings expressed in person.

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Later in the evening, in the comfort of our home, my family will celebrate as we always have, listening to the Christmas crooners of yesteryear, talking to Ebenezer Scrooge, and enjoying the delicacies of the season. We will admire our evergreen tree, inhaling the refreshing aroma that only a real tree can emit. We will reflect on our Christmas nursery from around 1930, a recent purchase from an antique store. I marvel at the meticulous workmanship and attention to detail. Now it adorns our main entrance, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.

On Christmas Day, instead of celebrating with friends, it is only for the family and there will only be three of us. This will be a departure from our time-honored tradition and a poignant reminder that despite our best efforts, life has a rhythm of its own.

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Enjoying the nostalgia and reliving traditions that inspire a “warm and fuzzy” feeling are an important part of Christmas. But perhaps Christmas has less to do with the exacting standards we set for ourselves, baking, decorating, and frantic shopping. Amid all the excitement and decorations of the season, Christians should remember that we have already received the ultimate gift through the birth of baby Jesus in that humble manger, so long ago.

This story of love, peace and hope continues to resonate with us to this day and transcends the often discouraging and disturbing events we hear about on the news. As comforting as nostalgia and seasonal traditions are, they drive us to look back, while faith drives us forward. While the beauty of the Christmas season may leave us in awe, ultimately, it is faith that sustains us and gives us reason to celebrate.

Natalie Turko-Slack, recently retired from a career in management. Lives in Pierrefonds.