Monday, December 11, 2017

Blessed Instead of Stressed

For too long, I allowed the pressures of a busy schedule to steal the joy of Christmas. It seemed like the celebration stretched my to-do list to the breaking point.

This year, I decided to focus on the meaningful items rather than trying to cram every activity available into a few short weeks:

1.  The birth of Jesus.
2.  Making the day special for the people I love.
3.  Thinking of those less fortunate through Operation Christmas Child and our church's annual toy/clothing giveaway.
4.  Shopping with an eye not only for bargains, but also for gifts people would truly appreciate.
5.  Baking cookies.

Instead of having to get it done, I get to do things that matter - giving with all my heart.


Writers and Readers: How do you keep Christmas blessed instead of stressed?

Photo Credit:  Jenny Erickson

2 comments:

quietspirit said...

Susan: If I wear myself out, I find myself down with a horrific sinus infection, taking as long as a month to get over. I have learned to slow down and focus on the birth of Jesus and making a nice holiday for my family. Shortly after Christmas, my best friend and I go out for either breakfast or lunch and exchange gifts. She has a large family and we find it best to do our holiday thing after the hub-bub and rush are over. This year we get to have our son home on Saturday, Sunday (Christmas Eve) and part of Monday. Hubby has our menu all planned out for the three days.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan - couldn't agree more .. help others, be relaxed and give as much as we can of ourselves to make others' lives easier - be at peace and enjoy - cheers Hilary