TV and movies depict the epitome of Christmas: the perfect tree with piles of presents, mom and dad smiling and loving, siblings being kind and respectful to each other and their parents. At least that was what Holywood used to portray, and what everyone wanted. Now? I don't know. I haven't watched family sitcoms in a long time and don't know what kind of family life they portray. I suspect it isn't the Cleavers.
Most families fall short of the ideal family - if there is such a thing - and the holidays can be very stressful when old wounds (and new ones) can't be laid aside. My family is no different.
We were close once, at least I thought so. However, recent events indicate I wore rose colored glasses and didn't see the truth - until now. My own pain has opened my eyes and I can now recognize, and empathize, with other families coping with dysfunction and the holidays. I don't have any solutions or any suggestions on how to fix what is broken. But, God offered me His opinion on the matter.
While praying over my family situation, this scripture came to mind: "Do not think that I came to send peace upon the earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies shall be they of his own household." Matthew 10: 34-37.