It’s the week before Christmas and all through the house…

I have such fond memories of Christmas growing up.  Our home just felt extra warm while Mom baked yummy goodies in the kitchen and Dad kept a fire going in the wood stove.  There was music constantly playing in the background.  I'm sure my parents felt a little bit of the pressure - - getting just the right gifts and not spending too much money - - but all I remember was feeling safe, happy and warm. 

My parents never divulged the secret of Santa Clause (read my next post to find out how I discovered the truth!). Mom, especially, seemed to want the magic of Christmas to dwell in our hearts as long as it possibly could.

The anticipation of Christmas morning on Christmas Eve was a magical time.  My siblings and I would all crowd into one bedroom, singing and laughing and fighting until we each slowly drifted off to sleep;  though just for a few hours as Christmas morning came oh so early!  We'd then commence giggling again as we waiting for Mom and Dad to wake up.  Dad would go into the living room to "make sure Santa came" and then we'd all run in to see what wonderful gifts awaited us under the tree! 

There is nothing like that week leading up to Christmas morning.  Now, looking on as a parent, I wonder when I grew up!  With all the hustle and bustle that comes upon us this time of year, are we truly joyful? We talk about celebrating, but do we honestly celebrate in our hearts the joys of this season? These days it seems we want to make sure our children know the reason for the season so much that we sometimes dash the childlike dreams of our children all too soon.  I think we can hyper focus on purpose so much that we forget the pleasure of just being.  I think the joy of believing in something magical is just as much part of the season as remembering the spiritual side of the holiday. 

Recently a friend and I were talking about how difficult it is to balance the fun traditions with the stress those traditions bring.  We want to do all the things and then get overwhelmed.  But when we don’t do the things we love, we lose some of that magical Christmas spirit.  

As I pondered these questions a few thoughts came to mind as a potential solution (each thought sort of leads into the next): 

#1 We can check our beliefs around Christmas. 

One of my faulty beliefs is that my “normal” life has to be put on hold so we can “DO Christmas.” So I get a little resentful of the activities and overburdened with more being added to my plate.  Knowing this is a belief I carry, I can become more boundaried in my choices.  I can devote some time to my normal activities, but allow Christmas to be the priority for a time. I can decide that Christmas is my normal for now. 

#2: We can remember we have a choice! 

When I start to feel overwhelmed with whatever activity I’m doing I can remind myself:  “I am choosing this.” I don’t have to do anything, really.  I can choose!  As a grown adult, I have probably earned that privilege. This is a super liberating thought. 

#3 We can ask ourselves the question: “What would I like to be doing instead?”  

Maybe we’ll discover this is exactly what we would have chosen. Or maybe we wish we were doing something different.  If I would choose this, then I can also choose to enjoy it rather than thinking of it as a “have to” task. If I would prefer to do something different, then maybe I just do that other thing instead! 

I for one, want more joy in my Christmas this year. So I’m going to try these thoughts and enjoy what I choose to do!  

Happy Christmas!