You’ve just returned to work after New Year’s when someone asks, “How was your Christmas?” Comparisons will ensue: “Which Christmas was best?”

Since I participate in several “Christmases” each year, my own answer depends on who’s asking, and how much they want to know. May these reflections enrich your own celebration—as you look back, and as you plan ahead.

The first Christmas I remember: 1950’s

The images of Christmas in the home I grew up in (outside NYC) are of middle-class culture, with its commercial emphasis on Santa and stuff. I doubt if someone poor and homeless—like Mary and Joseph tired from a long journey, or weary MOM clients—would have any place in that home. Yet my mom made a point of sharing our family riches with various children from NYC, through some “Fresh Air” (adopt-a-family for Christmas) program.

Now I work for an organization that coordinates almost 200 such matches every Christmas.

The Christmas when baby makes three: 1980’s

When my firstborn came into the world 23 years ago, we set up a manger scene and placed 2-month-old baby Eric there. That scene was reenacted for years to come, with each boy growing up and role-playing the shepherds or kings. (My MOM colleague, Kermit, trumps me in this regard: He and Diane “announced” the arrival of their second-born (first son) by arranging a similar manger scene, then invited over the grandparents—visitors from the East—for Christmas Day to surprise them with what, or rather who was under the tree.)

Christmas for me is still about the babe in the manger and retelling that age-old story.

Christmas parties at MOM: 2003

In addition to doing a month-long Adopt-A-Family program (now several years running), we at MOM now host a Christmas decoration party, whereby we decorate our respective offices, award prizes for creativity and enjoy a potluck and fellowship. My décor is minimalist: a few nativity sets.

That day, we draw names for playing “secret snowflake.” In this game, we secretly do acts of kindness and give small, unsigned gifts to the surprise and delight of all. This extends Christmas for weeks, as we say and do nice things almost daily, for two weeks, expecting nothing in return (at least from that person). The secrets are revealed two weeks later when we come together at a Board member’s home in Bishops Bay, where we cook and enjoy a turkey with all the trimmings. We also play the “white elephant” game, wrapping up, as unknown presents, the unclaimed (and weird) stuff donated to MOM.

Christmas is about revealing God’s grace to all, one person at a time. I hope such acts of kindness carry over into the New Year, more randomly than assigned.

“Feeding of the 400” at MOM’s ChristmasFest

Following a candlelight service at two MOM congregations, Christmas Day itself begins early and small, as my immediate family of five exchange presents. Then we’re off to St. Bernard’s Church, where 269 volunteers from twelve area churches, over the course of several days, put on a turkey/ham dinner with all the trimmings and desserts you can imagine. We feed 444. Almost 100 people from the county’s shelter system join us, having been put up the night before as guests of the Marriott West.

Also joining us for the noon meal are elderly neighbors who would otherwise spend the day alone. One asks me, “Where do you get all the Blacks from? Did you bus them in from Milwaukee?” She was looking at one MOM volunteer, an African American, when she said this, so I explained: “The Black people you see here are from either Madison or Middleton. Some are homeless, seeking housing or jobs in our community. Some are MOM clients; others are MOM volunteers and donors, who make this event happen. So you can’t tell by skin color whether one is client, a volunteer, or a donor.”

She and I nodded in agreement, as if remembering that God came to earth to break down the walls that divide and reconcile everyone to Himself.

Christmas with my extended family

At Thanksgiving, my extended family on Sue’s side (18 + significant others) draws names for our annual gift exchange, which takes place over a second full dinner each Christmas Day. The gifts are “just what we asked for.” We linger for the good conversation that follows. At home I reread the Christmas letters, photos and replies to our Christmas cards that convey a special greeting, poem, or Gospel truth.

Next year I will reflect more, savor favorite memories, and tell others how much they mean to me.

So, how was your Christmas? Take time to reflect on Christmas Past. The point is not to compare your Christmases with any of mine. But such reflections may help to transform our lives for the better and shape our Christmas Future.

© 2003 Middleton Outreach Ministry

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