TAKE CONTROL OF CHRISTMAS

I enjoy the Christmas season.  Years ago, I saw the stress-factor at Christmas time and decided that I would not add to it.  It has been my policy through the years to not add lots of activity to people's schedules.  Our leaders deliberately keep the church calendar light through December.

It saddens me to see the stress we bring on ourselves.  Most give gifts out of a spirit of obligation or exchange.  Many spend money they don't have.  We crowd our schedules with concerts, parties, family get-togethers, and shopping trips. We even cut our Thanksgiving short so we can get the best bargains.

Our pursuit of the perfect Christmas often leaves us empty, exhausted, and embittered.  But we repeat it annually like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.  We too feel trapped in something we have no control over.

And sadly, one of the greatest opportunities for spiritual reflection and genuine family connectedness rushes by without gain.

There's still time to change all that this year - even though the Christmas hype has already begun (WalMart's already had several 'teaser' sales).  But you'll have to be deliberate.  You'll have to swim against the flow!

Suggestions:

1. Sit down and think about your giving.  Who would you really like to give gifts to?  What gifts are you obligated to give?  Speak to these people and explain that you're changing your approach this year - and you wanted to give them a head's up!  Afraid of their reaction?  They'll probably admire you;  and they'll probably be relieved!  They're as stuck as you are!
2. Along with the important people in your life, plan your December calendar NOW!  Write it down!  How do you want to spend your time?  Family nights?  Christmas movie nights?  A gift-wrapping Saturday morning?  When other opportunities come up, you can legitimately say, "I'm sorry!  We already have something scheduled for that night!" 
3. Plan ahead for a spiritual observance of the birth of Christ!  If you have children or grandchildren, they would LOVE to act out the Christmas story [video it for years of future enjoyment]!  Put time on your calendar to read a good book.  Richard Paul Evans has some great Christmas novels that would bless you:  The Gift, and The Christmas List are two good ones to start with!

You can add to this list yourself;  I've just tried to get you started.  But if you delay, you'll soon be caught in the vortex of former Christmases.  You're the only one who can change these patterns!