…and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Having no mice is a good thing and after a busy day I don’t mind some peace and quiet, but it was too quiet in our place this Christmas. We have been in Beijing for 5 months and I stayed in town while my boss took a well-deserved vacation.
As the years have passed Susan and I don’t handle Christmas very well when we are away from our family, friends and loved ones, like this year. We didn’t decorate the apartment or make big plans and tried (but failed) to pull something together at the last minute. I haven’t even watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” this year.
The Chinese don’t celebrate Christmas, so there are few decorations other than in foreign-owned hotels and in Embassies of Christian countries. I have been busy at work and so haven’t even seen those. Christmas celebrations were held earlier in the month at Church and at my work, because many people would be gone for the Holidays. With so many friends gone or working, we wound up with nothing happening on Christmas.
Susan made reservations for a nice Christmas buffet at the Westin hotel, but we eat good food every day. At least it will get us out of the house for a few hours. My thoughtful Aunt sent “something from home” and our daughter sent pictures of our grandchildren, so we don’t feel completely left out. We will have many more hours left to fill, looking for more pictures and stories from home on the internet, watching what a nice Christmas others are having.
There is a good side to having this quiet Christmas. Without the hustle and bustle that comes from a “busy” Christmas, we have time to remember the reason for the season. We will watch “The Nativity” and see what it was like when GOD came into this world for us. Seeing the joyous pictures and receiving wishes of “Merry Christmas” and “Peace on Earth” should help us to remember the real gift we received for Christmas, a Savior.
Wayne Lance (2014) – That’s Good News to Share!