Have Fun, Eat a Bean (it’s Magical) and Have a Banana (Split): Finding Joy in the Holidays

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebration. Yet, for many, it’s also a time of deep reflection, loneliness, and even sorrow. How do we combat the blues when the world around us seems wrapped in glittering lights and festive cheer? My mantra—Have Fun, Eat a Bean (it’s magical), and Have a Banana (Split)—might just hold the key.

A Bean and a Banana: Simple Joys

The “bean” in my mantra is a stand-in for those little things that remind us of magic and wonder. Maybe it’s your favorite coffee bean, a jellybean, or the metaphorical “bean” that makes you smile. Then comes the banana—or better yet, a banana split. This classic dessert is more than just a treat; it’s a reminder of abundance and sweetness, a small celebration in a bowl.

Combining these symbols with faith brings a profound message: delight in the everyday miracles and God’s provision. After all, as Philippians 4:4 encourages us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Daily Bread and Daily Joy

In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This isn’t just a request for sustenance; it’s a plea for everything we need—hope, comfort, and a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Just as bread sustains the body, joy sustains the spirit. And who doesn’t find joy in sharing a banana split with a loved one, or savoring one in solitude with a prayer of gratitude?

Biblical Reflections on Joy

• The Shepherds’ Joy: The shepherds were tending their flocks in the stillness of night when the angel appeared, proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Their humble work turned into a divine encounter, reminding us that God often meets us in the ordinary.
• The Magi’s Celebration: The magi traveled far, guided by a star, to worship the newborn King. They brought gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolizing their joy and reverence (Matthew 2:1-12). Their journey wasn’t easy, but it was filled with purpose and wonder.
• Paul’s Call to Rejoice: Even from a prison cell, Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Joy isn’t about our circumstances but about our relationship with God.

Joy Amid Heartbreak

The message of Christmas is Emmanuel — God with us. This truth doesn’t erase our pain but meets us in it. Whether you’re grieving a loss, feeling isolated, or simply overwhelmed, Christmas invites you to find peace in the presence of the Prince of Peace.

Eating a banana split won’t solve every problem, but it’s a reminder to pause, smile, and savor the sweetness in life. Pair it with prayer, scripture, and faith, and it becomes a holy moment of connection—a foretaste of the eternal joy promised to us in Christ.

A Closing Thought

This Christmas, let us embrace the simplicity of my mantra. Have fun, for laughter is healing. Eat a bean, for wonder is magical. Have a banana (split), for joy is contagious. And most importantly, rejoice in the Lord, who came to give us life abundant (John 10:10).

As we celebrate, let us remember the shepherds, watching their flocks with anticipation; the magi, offering their best in worship; and the Savior, born to bring peace and goodwill to all. Joy to the World—the Lord has come!