** Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…** Hebrews 12:2
With just a few days until Christmas arrives, we are probably all in a rush and have a dozen more things that need to get done before our family’s fill our homes with Christmas joy. There is last minute shopping for those little things we forgot to get for the grandkids, a couple condiments for the Christmas turkey or ham, and if anyone is like me…I still have to get the tree up.
December should be a happy month but it can turn into one of the most stressful. Here are a couple of tips to make the holidays a bit brighter and less exhausting.
Tip #1–the most important is our verse…look at Jesus…let’s try to remember to keep Him in our minds and hearts in a very purposeful way. We can put each task in His hands and allow Him to guide us each step of the way. ‘Lord, I need to find one more thing for little Cindy Lou….help me choose something that will bring her joy.’ Lord, there is so much traffic and I am running out of time, help me to find parking and green lights along the way’. ‘Lord, thank you for helping me get it all done, and helping me to not yell at the store clerk. ‘
Tip #2–people–everyone is stressed, tired and overwhelmed. Don’t let it get to you. Remember that the store clerk would rather be getting her own errands done instead of waiting on us. Remember that each person we encounter has their own story and some of them are pretty sad and desperate ones. Remember that some of those store clerks are divorced, widowed, lonely, and broke. People are what makes the world go round. Be nice, get nice.
Tip # 3–Be nice to ourselves. No one is perfect during the Christmas season. No one is perfect ever. So, if we forget tip #1 and #2, don’t let it ruin what’s left of the holidays. We all mess up. We all need to forgive ourselves for our blunders and forgive those who blunder in front of us. Again…look unto Jesus, the forgiveness expert.
Tip # 4–Enjoy!!! Enjoy the sound of our grandchildren’s voices. Enjoy having the house full again. Enjoy every bite of the Christmas meal. Enjoy the camaraderie in the kitchen while cleaning up. Enjoy the family traditions. Enjoy the unexpected surprises. Enjoy joy. And then enjoy the quiet when everyone goes home.
Just 4 little tips to make our Christmas happier. We shouldn’t let the season take over our hearts, thoughts or emotions. We can be happy and sow happy. We can be joyful. We can have a song in our hearts. We can look unto Jesus and find a mountain of joy in Him.
Merry Christmas to all of my readers and may it be the happiest one ever!!