Dr. Rick Petronella

December 2023 Newsletter

Why is Christmas considered a special holiday?

It is when families and friends come together and give gifts to one another to celebrate their love for each other. There are not many better feelings in the world than when a loved one opens the gift you gave them and smiles. Christmas serves as a great reminder of why we come together as friends and family.

Every year, around the world, people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, 25 December. It’s a day – and season – filled with Christmas carols, tree decorating, gift-giving and parties. And, among all the celebrations, you may be wondering: what is the real meaning of Christmas? Or, why do we have these Christmas traditions? What do they have to do with Jesus?

Our lives, country and world are far from perfect. There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively. The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change – the message of Christmas is timeless.

Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating!

Question? Why do we celebrate Christmas?

Celebrating Christmas is more than a Christian holiday. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses.

It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope, and joy we have in friends and family. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift is that we are loved, are never alone, and can have hope for the future.

God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is a time for family and togetherness. It is a blessed occasion when loved ones gather under one roof, sharing laughter stories and creating lifelong memories. The love and support we receive from our family during this time is truly invaluable.

Christmas is a time for family and togetherness. It is a blessed occasion when loved ones gather under one roof, sharing laughter stories and creating lifelong memories. The love and support we receive from our family during this time is truly invaluable.

Another reason why Christmas is unparalleled is the spirit of giving and generosity that envelopes us all. It is a season where our hearts are opened wide, and we extend our hands to help those in need. Whether it be through gifts, acts of kindness, or donations to charities, this holiday encourages us to imitate the selflessness of the baby in the manger, Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the festive atmosphere that surrounds us during Christmastime cannot be denied. The vibrant decorations, twinkling lights, and joyful music create an ambiance that is simply infectious. It uplifts our spirits, filling us with hope, peace, and a sense of wonder.

As we approach this holiday, let us embrace all that makes Christmas so special.

Let us cherish our traditions, treasure our time with family and friends, and open our hearts to the joy of giving.

May this Christmas be a time of spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal. Remember, it is not only the presents under the tree that matter, but the love and kindness we share with one another. Merry Christmas to you all, and may the blessing and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government will be upon his shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6). (Fulfilled – John 1:1,14; 3:16).

Quiz: How Well Do You Navigate the Holidays?

Take a big, deep, beautiful breath: the holidays will be here before you know it. For many of us, this time of year brings with it the joys—and challenges—of family gatherings, gift exchanges, and holiday festivities. The good news is that with a little planning and thoughtfulness, you can navigate the holidays with grace.

Take this self-quiz to see how ready you are for this year’s holiday season.

Circle your answers.

True or False 1. I start planning for the holidays early so that I’m not running around in November and December.

True or False 2. When my family is making plans, I make a point of negotiating what I really want to do and where I’d like to spend each holiday.

True or False 3. If my family exchanges gifts, I joyfully give what I can afford and enjoy giving. I stick to my budget.

True or False 4. I make sure that I eat healthy food that I enjoy every day. This may require me to take care of my own meals or contribute to meal planning and preparation.

True or False 5. When I accept a party invitation or a request for my time, it’s because I genuinely want to—and have the energy to participate wholeheartedly. I know how to say “no” to invitations I don’t want to accept. I don’t beat myself up about it or let myself get “roped in.”

True or False 6. I recognize the need for downtime and breaks, so I don’t fill my schedule to the brim with events, shopping, and other holiday preparations.

True or False 7. I value my important relationships and give them the time and energy they need and deserve. If this means that I go to fewer gatherings outside of my immediate circle, so be it.

True or False 8. I don’t dwell on the changes in my family that make me unhappy or sad. I accept the way things are now and enjoy the loved ones around me.

True or False 9. In the lead-up to the holidays and during the holidays themselves, I do something that I find fun or pleasurable every day.

True or False 10. The holidays are a time to appreciate loved ones and express my spirituality. I make a point of noticing what’s good in my life and feel gratitude for those things.

If you answered false to more than four of these, you may want to consider ways to make this holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful.

If you’d like support doing this, please don’t hesitate to call: 678-395-7922