My husband and I decided not to attend a brass Christmas concert again this year. It had become humdrum. Instead, I suggested we see Cirque Musica–an acrobatics Christmas program. My husband bought the pricey tickets as my gift. I was looking forward to getting dressed up for something new.

At the venue, we made our way to excellent seats, center of the second row. As the lights dimmed, I felt like a special guest at an elegant performance. My excitement turned to anxiety though, when my attention was drawn to the sound behind me–young kids.

I love kids. Really. I had six of them. But I didn't love the prospect of them narrating this show. My mood soured. Why would someone buy young kids expensive tickets to this show? And why do they have to be seated right behind ME?

First on the stage were a couple of clownlike comedians. My attitude had become negative enough that I thought, “This is going to be so corny that the kids behind me will be overdoing it with the laughs. Ugh.” Instead, the kids' response was one of quiet curiosity. Who are these guys and what will they do? they seemed to be thinking. Even so, I was relieved when the clowns left the stage and the aerialists replaced them.

I have seen aerialists on America's Got Talent and in a couple of small, in-person venues. But I have never seen such talent up close before. The kids behind me apparently hadn't either. They said (and I quote), “Wow!”

Yes, wow. That's just what I was thinking. They continued to express their wonder throughout the show as these gifted acrobats, singers, and comedians entertained us.

At one point, the lights on stage dimmed dramatically. The little girl behind me proclaimed, “Ooh. Evil.” It didn't end up being evil but a lack of Christmas spirit from one of the entertainers.

On the other hand, maybe it was evil. My lack of Christmas spirit had dimmed the lights so that I wasn't wowed anymore. If you can relate, I have some suggestions to help us see Christmas through a child's eyes again.

First, participate in Christmas activities with young children if yours are grown. The people behind me knew better than I did that Cirque Musica was a great show for kids AND adults. Join young families for a Christmas progam or activity, treating them if possible.

Second, do something new. I wouldn't have had this fresh Christmas experience had I attended the brass concert again. I found Cirque Musica with a Google search of Christmas shows in my area. Consider getting your kids involved in anything new for you: secretly blessing another family with gifts, caroling in your neighborhood, baking for those who serve you.

Third, treat Christmas as a miracle. There are many ways to experience the miracle of Jesus' birth afresh. Attend a new live Nativity. Consider watching a new-to-you Nativity movie like this one. Watch The Star of Bethlehem for the first time or again if it's been a while. Ask God to open your eyes to the miracle of Christmas as you read the Bible's account aloud.

Conclusion

I was convicted to leave my jaded, Grinchy Christmas attitude behind so I can have the wonder of a child this Christmas. May the Lord bless you with a “Wow!” attitude as you celebrate the miracle of His Son's birth.

Don't miss an article. Subscribe to Homeschool Sanity.