Now that we've moved beyond the frenetic shopping, wrapping, baking, partying and family obligations–the general holiday hype–we have the opportunity to truly celebrate Christmas. It only began two days ago, on Sunday, the "First Day of Christmas," as the song goes.

Now we have the time to put on that CD of carols, sit by ourselves, and fully, attentively listen to the lyrics. Ask, "What meaning do these have for me, right now, at this point in my life and the lives of those I love?"

Now we have a moment to light the candles and consider the sources of light and warmth in our world and how we might be light and warmth for others in the weeks ahead.

Now is the time to kneel before our family Nativity set and listen to these silent, still figures: What would Mary like to tell us about our lives this week? What's Joseph saying about the circumstance he faces? What are the shepherds really thinking? And do the wise ones believe their long journey worth the trouble?

Christmas has just begun, and, with a bit of breathing room, let's finally allow ourselves to savor it. It's only day three, with nine to go.

Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved. (detail of "Madonna and Child with Bird," Ignacio Chacón, Peru, 1745, digitally altered)