The main events are over: the decorating, the programs, the gift-giving. Yes, there may be a few more get-togethers to enjoy. You may still have family camped out in the living room (we do), and there’s still New Year’s Eve to look forward to.
But most of us are now experiencing the afterglow of Christmas—an agreeable feeling following a pleasant experience. (Thank you, Mr. Webster.)
In an effort to extend the euphoria, I skimmed through my blessings journal to remember special moments of Christmases past. I was surprised by the number of them and the fact I had forgotten many.
Example #1:
One year my husband’s parents were going to fly the five of us from South Florida to their home in Ohio for Christmas. Our kids could hardly wait, excited by the prospect of a new phenomenon—snow.
I was teaching school at the time, and a colleague, Beth*, asked me early in December, “Do you have warm clothes to take with you?”
“We have a few things,” I responded. “But I’m going to check the thrift stores over the weekend, and we can layer up.”
“Well, we have a bunch of stuff. Our family usually heads north for Christmas, but we’re not going this year. Let me loan you our gear.”
Beth gave me sweaters, hats, gloves, and five coats. I think every item fit someone in our family.
Example #2:
As the kids became teenagers, their schedules became busier. Getting five people where they needed to be with only two cars was a challenge. Then a friend from church offered to sell us his car at a very low price. (He was buying a new one.) It was a blessing we hadn’t pursued, hadn’t even prayed for. But it proved Matthew 6:8 perfectly: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
Our older son got a car for Christmas that year.
Example #3:
Another year I needed a long black skirt for the Christmas musical at church. Pushing through a long to-do list each day, I kept postponing the eventual mall trip. But the afternoon I finally went shopping, God met me at Macy’s! Not long after arriving in the misses’ department, there it was: the perfect, ruffle-and-lace-trimmed skirt for almost 75% off!
How amazing is our God? He keeps track of planetary movements and weather patterns, yet he cares what we wear (Matthew 6:28-33)!
Thank you, Heavenly Father. Reviewing Christmases past does give me a lovely afterglow. But it’s not the holiday memories as much as your involvement in those moments that causes the glow in my heart. Each instance proves your loving care, and the obvious pleasure you take in surprising your children with good things. I celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness (Psalm 145:7).
What Christmas memory gives you an afterglow?
From the Inside Out 
I wish I had kept a blessings journal… Thank you, Nancy, for giving us a glimpse into yours…and a reminder of how God provides for us before we are even aware of what we need! Christmas Afterglow Blessings to you and Steve. Love to you, Cheri
Thank you, Cheri. Please forgive the belated response. Our household is shrinking as family members make their way home. Just one left, then it’s empty nest syndrome all over again! However, we did amass a large number of memories to enjoy. Christmas Afterglow Blessings for sure!
An example of God’s care this Christmas was my desire for a homemade pecan pie for one of our sons. Since I was short on time, and, since I was in WV, I called a friend who bakes on the side for a little extra income. It was the 18th of Dec., so I thought she’d have plenty of advance notice, but she groaned apologetically, “I’d love to, Nikki, but I am swamped with orders, and I’ll be baking up to Christmas Eve.” I begged her not to feel bad, but she added, “I’ll see if I can fit it in. Call me Thursday night, and I’ll let you know if I was able to make a pie for you.”
A storm was forecast for Thursday night, so we packed up and left at 11 am. On the way out of town, I asked my husband to stop at the drugstore where she worked, so I could tell her we were leaving and not to worry about the pie and give her a hug. When she saw me, she squealed with delight. I thought you might come by, so I brought your pie to work with me. I finished it this morning, and it’s still warm.”
I ran through the store praising The Lord for His love.
That pie was the best ever!
What a delightful story, Nikki. It makes me smile to think how God engineered circumstances to give you a special blessing. No doubt He was smiling, too, as you ran through the store giving Him praise!