Christmas in October

Yes, it’s still two weeks until Halloween, and yes, Christmas decorations are already spilling their way into the costume aisles at most major retailers. This early roll-out of holiday fanfare is surely one of the most divisive issues in American culture today: How early is too early to bring out the artificial trees and strings of twinkling lights?

As a Christian, as far as I’m concerned, it’s never too early. Though some might not look at a puppy dog dressed in a Santa hat and see the connection to God’s love, I kinda get. The colors, the music, the family gatherings…It’s our faith’s biggest celebration of the year. We celebrate our children’s birthdays with party hats, balloons and streamers as an outward display that we are grateful to have these children in our lives; the twinkling lights, decked out halls and adorned trees, for many, is a similar display of gratitude and thanks for Christ’s presence in our world. If some enjoy the season so much that they need a few extra weeks to prepare for this celebration, then so be it. It is, essentially, unbridled joy.

But as we’re preparing for this grand celebration, many of us will reflect on those who are not able to make a list, check it twice and then load up a shopping cart full of goodies. So if the holiday bug has bitten you a bit early this year, consider stopping by the toy aisle of your local store and picking up a gift or two for a child in need.  Throughout October, St. Mark is collecting new and gently used dolls, toys and monetary donations for the Board of Religious Organizations. BRO will distribute these toys to more than 4,800 children in need throughout the St. Louis area.

My two-year-old daughter and I made a trip to the store and picked out a Disney Princess Tiana doll for the BRO doll drive. Though my daughter is still a bit young to understand, she enjoyed dropping the doll off at the collection spot in the Narthex.  I enjoy sharing this tradition with my children, and by doing it in October, I can be sure it will not be overlooked. As a child, I remember helping my parents shop for and select gifts for an “Angel Tree” at our local mall. It was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. It was a tangible and relatable lesson in awareness and generosity. It helped me to remain mindful of the blessings that I had, but more importantly, the need to help create a world where other children had those same blessings.

With preparations already underway for the upcoming holiday season, it’s easy to get lost in picking out wrapping paper, baking cookies and trimming trees. While all of this is an enjoyable way to celebrate Christ’s love, a gift to a child in need is a wonderful way to share that celebration with another local family. And on Christmas morning, as you unwrap your own gifts, another child will wake up to surprises from Santa under her tree, too--and perhaps a bit of unbridled joy.

For more information about the Christmas doll drive, contact Shirley Boeker or Louise Grothe. For more information about BRO, visit brostl.org. And Merry Early Christmas.