Christmas is a time for many to contemplate the meaning of the season and of how we should live our lives. In this series of 26 Christmas traditions, Q is for Quiet Reflection. For many, Christmas is about deeper meanings instead of presents under a tree.
is for Quiet Reflection.
Christmas traditions often include time to read, to ponder, and to reflect on how to make one's life better and how to make the world better by one's actions.
Reading favorite seasonal books, watching holiday movies, and participating in religious activities are among the traditions that provide quiet reflection of our personal lives and of our society.
A great number of the current Christmas traditions either were described in detail, or originated in, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The three ghosts of the past, present, and future were messengers who illustrated vividly the consequences of Scrooge's actions in hopes of convincing Scrooge to change his behavior toward others.
The entire night was a reflection of
the meaning of life and, while living, to help others.
Today, reading A Christmas Carol or watching a film version is a tradition that reminds us of "honoring Christmas and trying to keep it all year."
Watching the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" is another Christmas tradition for reflecting on how we should live our lives. Clarence helped a despondent George Bailey recognize the meaning of his life which convinced him not to commit suicide. In return, Clarence, a two-hundred and ninety-three year-old-soul next May, got his angel wings.
Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.
One of the great life lessons learned from "It's a Wonderful Life" is making decisions based on doing the right thing instead of what benefits one's self is the key to living a successful life filled with love and true friends.
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Special Christmas Eve church services are a tradition where people come together to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas for them. Scripture readings, prayers, and singing Christmas carols focus on why they celebrate Christmas. Pausing in the midst of all the festive celebrations for Christmas is a time for quiet reflection.
For many people quiet reflection is the most meaningful Christmas tradition they observe.
