Merry Christmas from the Asphy Family

It is my prayer that everyone will have a blessed Christmas this year during the Caronavirus. This Christmas is different than Christmas in the past. We are living during a Pandemic. We are living History.

                                                           Christmas Activities

                                                  * * *Awesome * * *

Even though we are living during a Pandemic there are still things that we can find to be thankful for. Many have loss loved ones that will not be here for Christmas. I am thankful for family. During this pandemic you can feel comfort that you have family.

1. When was Jesus Christ born?

Although we celebrate Christmas on December 25^th according to the Gregorian Calendar Christ was born on October 4,BCE (Before common era) according to antipas.net. They also noted that Christ was born 4BCE in the Jewish year 3758.

2. When was Christmas first recorded

Did you know that the first recorded Christmas celebration was in Rome December 25, 336 according to en.wikipedia.org.?

3. Faith and Prayer

Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ.

I once listened to an audio tape where it was mentioned that there were those that said they were too busy too pray. Do you know anyone like that? Have you ever been too busy to pray? That is just too busy, considering there is no time to pray to the creator who created us. I recalled being displaced at work. Our entire department was interviewed (one by one) individually. During the interview I was offered a job with the new company in another state. I thanked him and refused stating I believed God would give me something here in my state and I added I was not too proud to work at McDonald's if I had to.

Then there was a second interview where I was offered to work for the company here without moving out of state, stating I would also receive a bonus of part of the company’s profit for helping with the conversion of various products. I accepted and little did I know I loved working for this company. They gave free lunches and free items throughout each month to all employees. Keep in mind I was heavily in debt even though I was already making very good money.

At the end of the year when I received my bonus. I was amazingly surprised. There was more than enough to get me completely out of debt plus there was some left over. So I am a witness that God has taken care of me. Why not share your testimony this year with someone about the goodness of Jesus and what he has done for you?

4. Retailers Making Money

According to statista.com in 2020 Christmas retail sales were forecast to grow to about 755.3 billion U.S. Dollars. They further add that a survey revealed that 41 percent of Millennial U.S. holiday shoppers planned on researching online before visiting a store in 2017. So even though we are in a pandemic there are those that are still spending money for Christmas even if the spending is online.

5. Christmas Tree

Do you have a Christmas Tree this year? According to History.com Germany started the Christmas tree tradition in the 16^th Century as we know it. They added that devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

6. Christmas During the Caronavirus

You might want to consider Christmas shopping online as oppose to shopping in person. Because we are living during different times as opposed to how Christmas was last year. Many millennials already love to shop online even before the pandemic.

A. Travel

Unless it is absolutely necessary you might want to consider not traveling during the holiday.

B. Washing hands

Be mindful and wash your hands more than usual for at least 20 seconds. I recall before the pandemic a woman watching me in a public restroom while standing in  a long line. She made sure to let me know that even though I washed my hands, I did not wash my hands for 20 seconds. 

C. Clean and Disinfect

Clean and disinfect more than usual. Covid-19 can travel in various ways and can last

on certain surfaces. I love the clorox and Lysol wipes. At the beginning of the Pandemic they were sold out and difficult to find. Now they are slowly coming back into the market. They are simple and easy to use. I usually keep the wipes with me. You never know when you might need to use them.

D. Virtual Games

You may consider virtual games online or even watching virtual movies together. Have you observed that with the increased technology nearly everything is virtual? You can see a virtual doctor online. Meetings are even virtual.

E. Masks

If family outside of your home visits, they still should wear a mask to be considerate, because you do not know who they may have inadvertently came into contact with. Everyone may try to be careful which is good, but the way that Covid-19 spreads is different than past infectious diseases that we have had globally.

Have there been times that you forget to wear or bring a mask with you? Even though this is a horrific pandemic you still might forget. Possibly you might want to keep an extra mask in your coat pocket, jacket, or in your car as you travel.

F. Distancing

Remember to distance yourself during this pandemic. Remember that this Pandemic will not last forever. You can look at the Pandemic as temporary. Look at the discomfort as temporary. Remember it will not be like this always.

G. Hope

Have hope and remember to look forward at the big picture. Just recently a vaccine has been approved. Trust that this vaccine will help, because until this time the only help we had was masking, distancing, and ventilators. Remember even though this is a horrible pandemic we have had many pandemics before and our civilization did survive.

Note:

Finally, remember to be grateful and thankful for what you have rather than dwelling on what you do not have.

I know that I am grateful and thankful.

What are you grateful for this Christmas?

Source:

Hebrew Calendar-For Jewish Year 3758-BCE4 to BCE 3

 

Christmas

 

Year-over-year growth of Christmas holiday retail sales in the United States from2000 to 2020

 

Christmas Trees from Germany

 

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