Putting Christ Back in Christmas

Thanksgiving is overshadowed by electronics, ads, long lines, and one time offers geared up to make us ‘happier’ at Christmas. But do they? We just went to see Santa and my kids were giddy with excitement. I was happy to get the Santa picture taken and one less thing off my list. Check. The candy cane was an added bonus.

When Santa asked my kids what they wanted for Christmas, I was a little worried: I had already done the shopping, so I hoped their wants coincided with my choices.

“I want a computer, a tablet, a camera, and a video camera,” said my six-year-old. Ouch. I had bought her some socks and a nightgown.

“I want a sword made out of rocks,” said my four-year-old pirate ninja. He had a glow-in-the-dark toothbrush coming to him.

“What do you want?” Santa asked my two-year-old. Scowl. “How about a nice ball?” asked Santa. Scowl. But that’s okay. A ball I can manage.

The baby just screamed ‘kidnapper’ when Santa reached for him, but he took the candycane without complaint. At least one of them won’t be disappointed Christmas morning.

The holidays can be hectic, stressful, and disappointing. Especially if we find socks instead of tablets. But if we change our focus it can be the most wonderful time of year. So what can we do to enjoy the holidays more?

Get it done early. Christmas time is no surprise: snow comes, we eat turkey, Christmas.  No big deal. Then why are my cards arriving in January? Make a list and prioritize. Do cards before goody plates and carols. Presents can be bought year round – I don’t have to wait until Black Friday to buy toys.

Focus on Christ. I once asked my toddler why we celebrate Christmas. “It’s Santa’s birthday,” he replied. Ouch. I’m failing as a mom and that proves it. I find when we take Christ out of Christmas, we end up with a ‘mas’, which translates into ‘meaningless mess’. But when we take the mess out, the frivolous shopping, the ‘ten-presents-per-person’ bustle, the ‘my-friends-have-this-so-I-need-it’ craze, then we have time to focus on what’s really important. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. Let’s make that something into something worthwhile.

Giving, not Getting. Christmas is about Christ, the Savior of the world. He was the most unselfish man to walk the earth. And Christmas is becoming the center of our self-centered mindset. If we want to follow the savior, we must follow his example and look to others. He clothes the lilies of the field, and He will care for us better than we can care for ourselves.

Gifts from the Heart. Some of the best gifts have no monetary value. My grandparents love stories about my children and pictures of our family. As a young mother, the best gift I could receive would be an offer of free babysitting. What about a date night with dad? My boy would choose that over a Nerf gun. Gifts from the heart will be remembered long after the gifts are unwrapped and broken. There are many people out there who view Christmas as a painful time to remember loved ones lost and gatherings long since passed. Reach out to those who are alone, who have no one to cherish, and share your Christmas. It will be unforgettable to them, and change your life for the best.

Enjoy it. Take time to relax. Breathe. Smell the pine on the tree and the cinnamon spiced wassail. Smile. Sing Christmas songs. Hug your loved ones. Every Christmas, every day, is a gift from God. He wants us to be happy. So enjoy it.