Christmas

As Christmas day is right around the corner, I am trying to fit it all in.  Christmas cards, Christmas movies, baking, looking at Christmas lights, late night shopping trips, going to see Santa-you know the routine.   Every year I have a whole list of things that I want to accomplish before the big day comes.  Some years I am more ambitious at getting it all in but other years I tend to have the "there is always next year" attitude.  One thing I am realizing more and more is that the time to do these things is here and now!  Often times I think of' things I would like to do over Winter break.  I always think someday I would like our family to go skiing every winter.  Or sometime I would love to go Christmas caroling.  The truth is there is no better time than the present to do all these things.  Much to my surprise, my kids aren't getting any younger nor are my husband and I.  If you have something special that you would like to do with your family-DO IT!  We are being constantly reminded that life is short, so get out there and DO!

I watched It's A Wonderful Life for the first time Monday evening.  Of course we all know the famous line about angels getting their wings when a bell rings but have you ever sat down and watched it beginning to end and soaked in the message?  It's brilliant.  It focuses on what an impact each of us has on life and all the people in it.  It teaches us that life is precious and not as bad as it sometimes seems.  I just really enjoyed the message and I am glad I watched it because it is something I want to do every year but I never "have time" to.  If you haven't seen it, plan a movie night with your family, and watch it.

I am almost done with Christmas shopping, the Christmas cards are to be mailed this afternoon and I am off to a good start with the holiday baking.  The most important thing to do yet is focus on my family and their needs.  Making sure that through the hustle and the bustle of getting everything ready and perfect for Christmas day that the kids are OK.  That they are not feeling left out or forgotten as I prepare for Christmas.  Preparing our hearts for the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of the Christ child.  Spending time curled up on the couch watching Christmas movies and holding my babies as we are off of school and work.  Let us not forget the ones we love most and the meaning of Christmas this year.

I feel as I get older I am starting to be bitter at Christmas time.  I cannot believe the hype of gift giving.  It's out of control.  I have had several people ask me what the kids want for Christmas but not one person has asked if they could take the kids for the day and spend quality time with them.  That is what I really want!Nobody is at fault or doing anything wrong, it's just how Christmas is in our culture now.  My Dad asked me what the kids and I want for Christmas this year.  The truth is, I want him.  I hardly see my Dad anymore and I all I want is to spend the day together.  I suggested that instead of exchanging gifts and getting together for an hour to visit that we go ice skating and out to dinner.  So that is what we are doing.  I can't wait to spend the day with him and I will remember our time together for eternity unlike a gift I would have gotten from him.  I feel I have been blessed with an amazing family made up of unique individuals whom each offer something special to the world.  If my kids could spend a whole day with each of them over Christmas break instead of receiving a gift from each of them I feel they would grow in mind and soul instead of adding to their pile of "things". 

I have tried to keep the focus of my gift giving on giving gifts that encourage spending time together.  While this can be challenging it is worth it.  It is rewarding when it is all said and done.  Sit for a moment and ask yourself what Christmas really means to you.  Whichever way you celebrate Christmas I pray you are able to see the true blessings that you are surrounded by.  Your child's laughter, your beautiful homes and even time.  The fact that you wake up every day and you are given 24 hours to do something great.  Make good use of your time, spend it with someone you love.

Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.