Warning: This column has Jesus overtones.

As the Christmas season revs up to its ultimate climax on Sunday, you may think that, as you wrap the last of the gifts or prepare the Christmas goose (in our house, it’s a turkey), you are ready, that you haven’t been caught off guard this year. (Unlike me, for example, who still hasn’t quite finished all my shopping. But that’s another story.)

However, it’s not the gifts, the parties or the cards that I’m talking about. It’s stepping back to remember what Christmas is all about – the “reason for the season” as someone once quaintly said.

Despite all the preparations, are you going to be showing up for Christmas? Will you take the time to look past the glitz, glamour and noise that is thrust upon us at this holiday time of the year and absorb the profound nature of the gift that was given to the world in the form of a Savior?

It is awesome, after all. We’re talking about an event that took place 2,000 years ago that so impacted the world that we record time differently – “B.C.” stands for Before Christ.

I had a chance to talk to my mother-in-law a couple of years ago about the traditions of old, of how Christmas used to be when she was a little girl. She recalled that there were few gifts and the celebration centered on family getting together, enjoying a big meal. How that has changed!

The Christmas season seems to be centered on how much to spend. Even though “stressed” is desserts spelled backwards, it does little to sweeten my mood as I clamor to get my shopping done. A crummy economy does little to build a feeling of warmth as we struggle with limited funds to buy gifts for folks that we really want to show how much we do care for them – or worse, feel obligated to buy for.

All this angst really does is rob us of those moments representing what Christmas is all about. It is about recognizing the birth of Christ, of realizing (maybe especially in this economy) how fortunate we are to have the family and friends we do and to live where we do.

Thankfully, there still is time left. Churches are holding special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services creating a time dedicated to nothing else but to worship and celebrate.

Keeping in mind that the season is also about family, there are family friendly outings readily available, too. My family and I enjoy traveling around the valley to check out the many homes that have been creatively (and enthusiastically) decorated for the holidays. Montrose Shopping Park has live music and a strolling Santa through Saturday, too.

And as another holiday season comes to a close, I apologize for not getting out Christmas cards (again), but know that I give to you my appreciation for your support and kind regards these past 12 months.

So, come let us adore Him. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

  robin goldsworthy