Christmas Lessons for Moms

Patti Maguire Armstrong shares lessons about gift-giving, plus lessons from Santa and the Christ Child, for moms to keep in mind as Christmas comes near.

‘Tis the season for lists. Mine have grown to include grandchildren and are tinted with the hue of experiences won from many lived Christmases. Despite a Christmas sleigh worth of insights, I still do wrestle with the spiritual vs the material. But then, that’s pretty much our walk with Christ in this world, being in the world but not of the world.  

So, to get in the spirit of the season and perhaps spread some cheer, here are my lists of reminders.  

Lessons from Santa 

• A few cookies on a plate are always appreciated.
• A bowl full of jelly is happy food.
• Don’t pout.
• There’s always someone watching.
• Red is not slimming but it helps to make your presence/presents known.
• Keep lists.
• Believe in yourself and others will too.
• Walk softly, especially on the roof.
• Be good for goodness’ sake!
• Ask people what they want, and they’ll line up to speak with you.
• Nothing is impossible. Otherwise, chimneys would have to be wider.
• Santa is the figure based on St. Nicholas and is about love and giving.  

Lessons about Gift-Giving 

• Keep receipts or rue the day.
• One size does not fit all.
• Good things come to those who wait.
• Giving IS better than getting.
• Christmas shopping is best done out of season.
• If Christmas is only about the gifts, it will be empty.
• Have space in your garbage for all the packaging.
• Consider giving people on your shopping list a gift of Masses or an hour of adoration instead of buying something.  Even if you don’t have time for adoration before Christmas, the time can be put in later, much like giving tickets to a future event.   

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To get in the spirit of the season and perhaps spread some cheer, read these 3 lists of reminders. #CatholicMom

Lessons from the Christ Child 

• Dignity is not connected to wealth.
• If you don’t have reservations, trust in God.
• Angels celebrate good news with us.
• The Blessed Mother was there at the beginning and throughout until the end and can intercede for us to her Son. 
• Look to the Heavens and God will lead you.
• Looks can be deceiving but faith is 20/20.
• Life is precious at all stages—from conception to birth.
• God the Father gave us the greatest gift of all. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

Copyright 2023 Patti Maguire Armstrong
Images: Canva