It’s that time of year (here’s where we’d insert the musical notes emoji) when all the winter songs that come out in November are suddenly dropped because Christmas is over. It always disturbed me when the secular radio stations that are so quick to give us “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come” in early November are so intent to revert back to their worldly mindset on Dec 26, while we all still have the holidays in our home decor and in our hearts. 

Some of the casualties of this “rush away from Christmas” (as I like to call it), are those sweet, winter songs whose lyrics have nothing to do with Christmas: take “Let it Snow,” for instance. 

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful” is just as relevant — in fact probably more so — in February as it is in December. Especially for those of us who live where it snows. 

Then there’s “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” and the venerable “Sleigh Ride” with its “birthday” party at the home of Farmer Gray. December 26? Gone. And “Frosty the Snowman,” which has absolutely no Christmas tie-in lyrics? Melted away until next November. Sad that these winter songs can’t live on throughout the … well, the winter. 

Even sadder? “Joy to the World” and every other Christmas carol is also wrapped up with the tree ornaments and tucked away up in the attic, too. 

For as much as we hear in church how important it is for us to keep that spirit alive, to glorify the Lord in our hearts, and to value all year long the unspeakable gift we were given, we tend to follow the world’s lead because, frankly, it’s just easier.

I’m not advocating that we try to force the world to change. We can, however, agree to not follow its lead. Let’s agree it’d be a good thing to keep Christmas alive as much as possible in our hearts. 

Here’s a little trick that works for me: the next time it starts to snow, and you see the flakes comIng down, force yourself to sing one line from one winter song (like “…a beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight…”) and then immediately praise God for His unspeakable gift — and bring Jesus up into your consciousness. 

Think of the day He was born in your heart. Feel His peace; move on with a smile, and then take that jolly, happy soul forward. 

Once you can link “snow” to “praise,” I guarantee it’ll become a trigger mechanism that will enrich your walk with God. 

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.