Good Evening TXK
As I sat down to write my final article of 2023, deep in thought about what I wanted to say, I realized I could take the typical route. I could share the highs and lows of the year, all the lessons learned, or even complain about how another year has passed and I’m still not famous. I know, heartbreaking stuff.
In this thing we call life, it’s way too easy to get consumed by our own daily dramas. We find ourselves submerged in a culture that has made an absolute sport out of self-absorption. We numb and distract ourselves from life’s monotony and hardships with our plethora of vices. After all, isn’t the month of December supposed to be full of the magic of the season that the media, movies, and television shows have tried to sell us for decades?
Undoubtedly, in this year’s Christmas ads, whether on TV or your phone, you’ll see the bright and shiny faces of people tearing open Christmas presents, twinkling lights, wonderment, friends laughing and shopping together, Christmas trees glowing, and families gathered around the table with rehearsed smiles on their faces. However, beyond the glittering facade, they don’t show the seasonal depression, the families divided by petty disagreements, the children who don’t have Christmas presents because their parents can’t afford them, or those who spend Christmas all alone.
This is a little grim, I know—it’s not the holiday spirit we have all come to count on, but there are gleeful articles about Christmas to be read all over the place. This article is for the people who are hurting, the single parents who are stressed, and the children who are too busy worrying about things children shouldn’t have to worry about.
Reflecting on my own Christmases brings me back to my strong mother. I was blessed with a single mom who went above and beyond to make sure we had the unnecessary materialistic things we asked for but we didn’t really need every Christmas. My brothers and I were spoiled and never went without, while my mom sacrificed her own wants and desires for us. This is not everyone’s story.
If the holidays are a hard time for you, if you’ve lost a loved one that’s not here to celebrate Christmas with you, if you’re separated from your family, if you’re lonely, if you’re experiencing anxiety and depression, know that you are valued and loved, and you are eternally beautiful in Jesus’ sight. No matter what you have done, who you’ve hurt, mistakes you’ve made, you ARE special. How I wish more than anything I could wrap my arms around you and let you vent, cry, and tell your story. I would listen with zero judgment, love you, and laugh with you until you remembered that joy is possible; we both know it is still there, even if it is a little buried right now.
The real Christmas miracle in December, 2023, is people being kind. A warm smile, a hug, a friend asking you to go to dinner along with an “I hear you,” and “What you are feeling is valid.” Everything in today’s culture is constantly about building up ourselves and loving ourselves more, and somehow many of us are still moving through life unfulfilled and unhappy.
As each year passes us by, it’s easier and easier to allow the dark parts of life to seep into our souls, throw our hands up in the air, and allow our hearts to grow hard. One of my all-time favorite quotes is, “Don’t let the hatred in others destroy the kindness in you.” I know that’s right! We are all flawed human beings with genuine, flawed human emotions, so none of us are above being unkind. But we also all have the opportunity each day to choose kindness.
I’m not suggesting anyone give up their chance to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, for goodness’ sake; that, above all, is worth celebrating! I’m simply hoping to make YOU aware that while you’re celebrating, remember how immensely blessed you are. Don’t take a single second of life’s joyful moments for granted. Often, we recognize the good in our lives only after it’s gone—a truth all too familiar. It’s sobering to remember that, for some, joy and togetherness have never been part of their reality. Be kind.
LOCAL EVENTS
December 1-3
The Texarkana Community Ballet
The Nutcracker
Perot Theatre
2 or 7 pm
December 1
Arkansas Quarter Horse Show
Four States Fairgrounds
December 1
Open House & Arts Market
The Regional Arts Center
10 am-5 pm
December 2
Open House & Arts Market
The Regional Arts Center
10 am-4 pm
December 8
Celebrating Texarkana
Perot Theatre
7:30 pm
December 8
Downtown Live
The Gallery at 1894
6-9 pm
December 8
Photos with Santa!
Farmers Bank & Trust
2900 St. Michael Drive
3-5 pm
December 16
I Am A Hero Jingle Jog 5K Run
Spring Lake Park
9 am
December 16
Christmas on Main
Perot Theatre
December 17
Tough Kookie Foundation Cancer Support Group Meeting
Oak Street Church Family Life Center
4-6 pm
LIVE MUSIC
December 1
Zach Williams
First Baptist Church
7 pm
December 1
Kidd G
Crossties Event Center
7 pm
December 2
Clay Hollis
Whisky River Country
December 5
Magnificat! Texarkana Regional Chorale & Orchestra
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
7 pm
December 8
Take 6
Hempstead Hall
7 pm
December 9
Cody Parks and the Dirty South
Fat Jacks Oyster & Sports Bar
7 pm
December 9
Teazur
Redbone Magic Brewing Company
7 pm
December 10
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra—Christmas at the Perot
Perot Theatre
4 pm
December 11
LONESTAR—Christmas and Hits
Perot Theatre
7 pm
December 16
Moss Brothers
Redbone Magic Brewing Company
7 pm
December 31
David Howe and the Howlers, The Moss Brothers, & Trophy Husband
Whisky River Country
