Christmas is coming

I have already begun to listen to Christmas music-and I LOVE it! There has been this poster circulating the web about how Nordstrom's is not decorating for Christmas until after thanksgiving- a one holiday at a time policy. 7 or 8 years ago I would have held this same philosophy. Especially given that Thanksgiving has ALWAYS been my favorite holiday. I love it because it does not include the stress of picking out the prefect gift AND it involves eating copious amounts of amazingly good food. The problem is that it is a purely North American holiday. They do not celebrate it over here. I have found ways to celebrate every year with a variety of friends but it has never been the same since leaving the states and SO -I welcome an early Christmas with open arms. I welcome the fact that my neighborhood has already put up the Christmas lights over the streets. I welcome the fact that the other night I walked past a restaurant and they had their Christmas tree lit in the window. I welcome the fact that yesterday I met a friend at the only Starbucks in Brussels city and they had red cups, Christmas music playing and Christmas coffee for sale. I welcome the fact that Brussels has begun setting up for the Christmas market. I welcome these things because they do not bring the fear and panic of the crazy Christmas season in the US. Christmas here is more laid back, it's twinkle lights, candles and drinks with friends. It's ice skating on the square and getting churros at the market:) It is more about special moments with special people then about finding and buying a gift someone probably doesn't NEED anyway. And in the midst of it I seem to be able to remember a bit better the reason we celebrate-Jesus birth in a manger. The fact that our all powerful, all knowing, all loving God came in the form of a baby and HUMBLED himself to be born in a manger. He is about relationships- about loving people before they ever love him and so I welcome this celebration with the joy that comes from knowing I have been loved for eternity and that I have received a gift that I can not and need not repay. So for all my North American friends- I will join you in eating amazing food this month but I will ALSO begin celebrating Christmas a little earlier than you:)!