Christmas: Let's Simplify

December 1, 2010

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we're all on the exciting fast track to Christmas! It began on Black Friday when bleary eyed bargain hunters lined up outside their favorite stores at painfully early hours of the morning, waiting for the security guy to open the front doors. I hope the store pays that security guy well, for surely he will end up trampled underfoot at 5:01 a.m., as shoppers press onward, completely focused on grabbing the last mini-food chopper on the shelf, on sale for just $5.95!

Throughout the month of December, people (and especially moms) who are already too busy, add to their heavy loads, the pressure of making Christmas extraordinarily memorable...yet again this year. Not only are there the perfect gifts to get and wrap for each family member, but there's the hundreds of cookies to bake, the halls to deck, the dashing through the snow, the big meal to plan, the Christmas cards to write, the packages to ship, the school Christmas concerts to attend, not to mention the Christmas parties to plan, the drummers to drum, the pipers to pipe and a partridge in a pear tree! Phew! We're exhausted by the first week of December!

So this year, I've decided that I'm going to simplify. Don't applaud that decision just yet. I made the same decision last year as well - and the year before that. Just ask my children and they'll tell you. "Oh Mom - Yeah, she always says she's going to keep Christmas calm and simple, but then she still always goes nuts." It's true. The "problem" is - I love Christmas. I love almost everything about it. I don't prefer the pressure, but I love giving gifts, and making cookies, and decorating, and parties! I'm just not sure all my busy antics are really accomplishing the peaceful, love-filled, stress-free, Jesus-focused family holiday I always hope it to be. There has to be a way to have a truly wonderful Christmas, minus the outrageous spending, the time pressure and the general craziness that so often surrounds such a great season.

And so yes, yet again, I've decided that this year, I'm going to simplify. Maybe you've been thinking about the same thing. I'm hoping to write about some practical ways we can get back to basics. And I've decided to recruit some help, since clearly, I have trouble staying on the Simple Road to Christmas. For instance, I received an email on this very same topic from Dave Ramsey this morning. His suggestions were inspiring, but maybe you also have a suggestion for simplifying the Christmas season while still filling it with special moments and memories. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts! I'm thinking it's time to start a simple revolution to get out of the cyclone of whirling Christmas craziness that seems to increase with each year. I sincerely believe there's a way we can get through this month together, more aware of the Presence of Jesus and less concerned about...well, anything else.

First - Let's remember Who we are celebrating and commit to keep our eyes fixed on Him every day throughout this month. It's interesting how quickly I can lose my focus on the Person of Christ, while staying so busy planning His party. Lord, help me keep YOU the priority in everything.

And now - a little something from Dave Ramsey to help us in our quest:

"Focus on People Instead of Gifts: It's time to take the pressure off of yourself! Many of us assume that we have to do things so we don't disappoint people because "So-and-so loves how I buy this or do that for them." While they may appreciate those gestures, the truth is that people in your life love you for who you are, not what you do. Look back over your life and remember what has mattered most. Was it the fanciest events, or the simple moments centered on faith and family? This year, try giving people less stuff and more of yourself—more genuine care, time and attention."

I like it, Dave!

Beginning December with this goal in my heart: Love Jesus. Love Others. Simplify.

What are your suggestions for making Christmas extraordinary, while keeping it simple?