Isn’t it crazy how we always look forward to the holiday season than when it comes, somehow it’s sprinkled with little spurts of disappointment? Maybe we have higher expectations, and they don’t come true? We get so wrapped up in wanting things to be perfect, and our families to be perfect, that we tend to forget what the holiday season is really about.

After a week of Thanksgiving feasting and belly-shaking laughs with the family playing a game called 25 Words or Less, we found ourselves in Church where the pastor was talking about the upcoming holiday season. Church always makes me feel good, and I really need to get better about making it a weekly habit. Anyway, the church was decorated for Christmas and it was so beautiful. It made me think of family, snow, decorations, and all of the things Christmas. The holiday spirit was in the air especially with the sounds of the amazing choir.

The message of Pastor Russ was very uplifting. He talked about how we sometimes lose focus of what the holiday season is really about, which is Jesus Christ’s birthday. I think we forget that and most of us don’t even take time to talk to him or thank him for our blessings or wish him a happy birthday.

The Pastor talked about doing three things this holiday season to keep Jesus at the center of the hustle and bustle and to really enjoy the time we have with family. I can’t remember his exact words but you can listen to the service here. His first message was to spend less to get more. He talked about how Christmas really shouldn’t be about the presents or the gifts or hours of unwrapping. Give meaningful gifts and take time to open them one by one. Cherish the conversation around the gift. Then enjoy the time you have together playing games or playing with the toys or cooking a meal together.

In the second message, he talked about how sometimes we get so stressed about making the perfect meal or getting the house perfectly clean that when people are there we don’t stop and take the time to visit with them. So take a moment to sit and enjoy the people around you.  Actually, take the whole day!

His third thought was taking a minute to give yourself to God by celebrating all we have in Jesus. He gave a cute example of saying would you go to a friend’s birthday party and not talk to the guest of honor? We are celebrating the birth of Christ but how often do we take the time to say a little prayer or to read the Story of Christmas to remind us what this holiday season really means.

As we enter into this busy time of year, please take a minute to stop and be at peace for at least a moment. Remember those you love. Say a thank you to someone who has made your day. Buy someone’s coffee the next time you are at the coffee shop. Volunteer for a soup kitchen or hand out food at the food pantry for those in need. If you are able, give what you can (whether time, money, or goods) to those who need it more than you. Find something that gives you that feeling of the Christmas spirit and take the time to celebrate with those around you.

Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash