Enjoy a silent Christmas – one that’s beautifully peace-filled, free from the frantic hustle-and-bustle of festive preparations, noisy office parties, and hectic last-minute gift buying. It’s not impossible! Everyone can joyfully celebrate this special time of year, yet remain relaxed and happy.
A much-loved carol, paints a picture of the first silent Christmas. “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.” This tender nativity scene, believed to have taken place in a Bethlehem manger over 2,000 years ago, reminds us to treasure our loved ones, speak to them gently with tender words, and cradle them in caring.
The blissful tranquillity of such a silent Christmas, doesn’t mean having a dull or boring festive season. Far from it! It’s a wonderful time of year filled with many heart-warming, joy-bringing opportunities, to give and receive kindness, caring, friendship, generosity of spirit and goodwill. Family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and strangers are all included in it, and able to enjoy the blessings of a silent Christmas.
TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS
- Make time to actually enjoy a silent Christmas. Reject the thought that you have too much to do! There’s always time for an act of loving kindness. And, kind-heartedness is always greatly appreciated - not only at Christmas but all year round.
- Be unhurried. Don’t rush through the day. Stop and share a few pleasant words with people you meet when you’re out and about. Phone a friend or family member you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, and say hi. Send someone a text message with a seasonal greeting. Let folks know that you’re thinking of them.
- Don’t let Christmas become an endless merry-go-round of festivities. You can halt the continuous cycle of activities, chill-out, and truly delight in every moment of this happy season. It’s such a good thing, to “observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my [your] conception of Truth's appearing.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany. p.262
- Delight in celebrating the harmony and joy of a silent Christmas with your family. Live peacefully and safely in your home. Be happy, expect good times, and be quietly confident. “In silence and in hope shall your strength be.” Douay-Rheims Bible. Isaiah 30:15
- Shut out the noise of a frenzied Christmas season. Slow down, take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy a silent Christmas. It’s good for your health.
ABOUT THE EXPERT:
Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing. Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
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