It's coming! Dare I say this, Christmas isn't my favorite holiday. Don't tell my kids. I love that Christmas is the Saviour's birth. I wish that was all that went along with the holiday. I know it could...it's up to me. I get so stressed with the cards, gift buying, food prep, tree cutting, decorating, and social calendar. NONE of this has anything to do with celebrating Christ's birth. Each year I'm a little better at slowing down and focusing on what matters. It doesn't matter if I get my sons' teacher the perfect gift. It doesn't matter if I make a million cookies, candy, and special things. Last year I started putting up my nativity set first thing. I put it up on the fireplace mantel where it's front and center. As I get stressed and start feeling the dread I go and gaze at Baby Jesus. It helps get my perspective in order. I want my kids to enjoy Christmas and think of it's true meaning. I want them to know how blessed they. We will be collecting money for the poor. Buying gifts for children in orphanages and local charities too. My goal is to spend more time in prayer during this Advent season. That will surely get my mind focused on what is important. I don't want to completely leave out the Christmas traditions that bring myself and my family joy either. So, I've learned to start early and pace myself. Here I go. May the Glory of the Lord endure forever.....especially in my heart and mind this Christmas.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Christmas is coming....
It's coming! Dare I say this, Christmas isn't my favorite holiday. Don't tell my kids. I love that Christmas is the Saviour's birth. I wish that was all that went along with the holiday. I know it could...it's up to me. I get so stressed with the cards, gift buying, food prep, tree cutting, decorating, and social calendar. NONE of this has anything to do with celebrating Christ's birth. Each year I'm a little better at slowing down and focusing on what matters. It doesn't matter if I get my sons' teacher the perfect gift. It doesn't matter if I make a million cookies, candy, and special things. Last year I started putting up my nativity set first thing. I put it up on the fireplace mantel where it's front and center. As I get stressed and start feeling the dread I go and gaze at Baby Jesus. It helps get my perspective in order. I want my kids to enjoy Christmas and think of it's true meaning. I want them to know how blessed they. We will be collecting money for the poor. Buying gifts for children in orphanages and local charities too. My goal is to spend more time in prayer during this Advent season. That will surely get my mind focused on what is important. I don't want to completely leave out the Christmas traditions that bring myself and my family joy either. So, I've learned to start early and pace myself. Here I go. May the Glory of the Lord endure forever.....especially in my heart and mind this Christmas.
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Beautiful post, and I totally understand. There are so many things I love about Christmas, but there is so much stress too.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The version of Christmas that this country currently celebrates isn't my favorite either. It's so easy to lose sight of what's really important. On the other hand, it's also important to enjoy those tried-and-true holiday traditions that bring us closer as a family--that, to me, is what Christmas should be about. The family and relationships with those that you love and need. That's why my favorite tradition is watching Christmas classics like the Little Drummer Boy or Rudolph or Frosty. In fact, I just found this great DVD box set called The Original Christmas Classics that has 7 great original classics, along with a bonus Christmas cd. Check it out: http://www.christmasclassics.tv. I love this tradition because it brings the family together, focuses on wholesome values, and doesn't take away from what Christmas is really about. I am working to support this because I think it's so important that we remember the true meaning of Christmas during the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Becky. We've been talking quite a bit about all of this at our house as well. Not to mention the fact that there is the entire season of Advent to celebrate before we get to Christmas Day. That's the time for preparing our hearts and minds in prayer BEFORE the birth of our Lord. If only our secular society, who seems to view Christmas as nothing more than the best shopping time of the year, would slow down Christmas and allow for the meditative rest before the true excitement begins on Christmas Day (and the twelve days after!)
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for peace in your heart and home (if you'll pray for me too)
Happy Advent!
Jane