Everybody is lined up on the starting line. We are ready for the race to begin. Ready…set….sprint to the Christmas season!
Every year the Christmas season seems to get more and more full. For many it explodes to a start on Black Friday and doesn’t slow down until Christmas night. What is supposed to be a season of joy becomes one of exhaustion.
But I want to tell you….IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT! We can make choices to enjoy more and focus on the true reason for the season. Here are a few suggestions.
1) Decide now that you don’t have to do everything. Focus on what gives you life.
2) Pick a few traditions and protect them. For example, we all decorate the tree together and it isn’t about beauty but about telling the family story.
3) Choose not to go into debt. Money can be a big stressor. Agree to limit. Make gifts. Give the gift of shared life.
4) Take time to read and meditate on the Biblical Narrative of the Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-2:23; Luke 1:1-2:40; John 1:1-14).
5) Do something special for someone who needs help.
Help me here….what are some other ways you have found to make the Christmas Season more joy filled?
……(Ladies)….and Gentlemnen…!! I like the suggestions, I know with kids it is easy to fall into what and how much is under the tree for them, like the most expensive sneakers. Its not about that, and as a parent I need to lead by example. There are some great opportunites to share giving with our kids. Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army with the kids was fun (and cold!), Feed My Starving Children is a great gift that gives!, the angel tree at church is great too!
Set up days for the family to volunteer together. Don’t feel guilty about going to help at the Rescue Mission “just on holidays,” it is a good thing to do, to go prepare meals and serve on Christmas day. Volunteer for the food/toy giveaways at the OnCenter.
Think of an old person who might be alone in their “Senior” apartment on Christmas, and also before and after the holidays, and visit them; bring the kids along on the visit.
Make sure you know that people with whom you have contact will not be alone on Christmas including young/college/singles. How about that not-so-lovable person you know who will undoubtedly be alone because (s)he’s so weird or smells bad? Invite them into your family for the day NOW so they have something to look forward to instead of anticipating depression.
Some simple and inexpensive ideas.
For the past few years, I have concentrated more on what Christmas represents…. the birth of Christ. I find a lot of peace and joy in that.
Being single and living alone, I don’t get involved in the commercial aspect of the season. Something I do not miss. I love the Christmas services at church. I am with like-minded people who love God and are there to celebrate His birth. And I hope to get into some volunteer work with either Rescue Mission or Salvation Army. Great camaraderie in doing that. I thank God for the greatest gift I ever received…. LIFE and my faith and love for Him.