Being present over busy this Christmas!

Does anyone else feel like there is just too much to do this month?  December is one of the busiest times of year.   There are special gifts to buy for loved ones, parties to attend, baked goods to make, Christmas cards to address, houses to decorate and the list goes on and on. 

It is easy to forget what the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of the busy.

I recently read one of the Proverbs 31 devotionals this month and Carolanne Miljavac said, “We can get so focused on all the things that need to be done that we can’t see we are coming undone.”  This quote really stood out to me especially since I had just “become undone” on my sweet son the weekend before feeling overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done.   Can anyone relate? 

Do you feel the stress of December to-do’s more than the joy of Christmas?

Honestly, this has been a real struggle for me over the years. As a Type A perfectionist, I desire everything to be organized and perfect.  When my kids were young, I remember trying to get the perfect family picture for our Christmas card.   To be completely authentic with you right now, I can still remember yelling at my kids to smile and stop messing around just minutes before we would pose for this “perfect” family picture.   The picture did turn out great but at what cost?

I want to be honest and say that I am still a work in progress on this, but I am realizing that none of this is what really matters this Christmas season.   I don’t have all the answers, but I just know that I don’t want to have another December quickly pass by and I miss the joy of it because I was too focused on what needs to be done.

Today, I want to encourage both you and me to slow down this month.  Let go of perfect during this Christmas season and instead really enjoy time with your kids.  Read Christmas books that point them to Jesus and the amazing gift of His birth.  Do advent calendars and wreaths that emphasize the true meaning of Christmas.  Show your kids the importance of giving rather than receiving. 

Be present rather than busy!

Friends, there will always be another task on your to do list this month; I don’t think we ever get it all done.  Instead of focusing on the stress in the middle of this busy month, let’s focus on the real gift this Christmas: the birth of our Savior, Jesus!   Remember He is the Real Reason for the Season!