In the interest of making the most of the Christmas season, let's focus on the essentials and not get frazzled running around too much. Speaking as a busy mama of 10, I know how easy it is to lose joy and peace in the very season that it is supposed to be abundant! But here's a simple fact: You don't have to fill your calendar or empty your wallet to have a truly merry Christmas!
Let's try a simple assignment. Label three pieces of paper with the following headings:
- How we can worship God in gratitude for the gift of Jesus....
- How we can spend special, relationship-building, memory-making time with our loved ones...
- How we can minister to the poor, the lonely and the lost out of the abundance God has given us...
Sit down with your family and brainstorm to fill these pages. (Listen to the dinky dudes and the hubbies, too!) Write down all of your great ideas -- whether they are old traditions or something totally new. Then carefully prioritize and choose what you really want to do in each area. Plan your month accordingly. Of course, you'll schedule in selected activities others have invited you to do -- but it will be because you want to do it and it fits in with your family's goals. Keep it simple! (And don't forget that you still have to do the laundry, dishes and other menial stuff, just like January through November!)
Do try to be very purposeful in what give as presents. A huge pile of fancy gifts does not make for a contented child or a tidy house. Go for quality and creativity. Since Jesus is the Reason for the Season, I always like to find at least one gift to encourage them in their faith -- whether it is a book, a CD, a video or a piece of art.
Oh, and please don't forget to just sit quietly once in a while, focus your heart, and say, "Thank you, Jesus! I love you, too!"
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Dec. 5, 2005 - Thanks