Unload Your Christmas

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Luke 10:39-40 NIV

Oh my, there is less than 2 weeks to Christmas! Yes, it’s the same time every year, but some how it always seems to catch me off guard. The decorations are up the day after Thanksgiving, or at least some of them. You would think that with the constant reminders that I would be better prepared, but no, every year I’m rushing around trying to get things done last minute. Says more about my procrastination than anything.

This year I decided to unload my Christmas. After all, it’s not about all the hustle and bustle that we make it. If Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus, and it is, then why not make it about the birth of Jesus. When we make the main point, the main point then becoming dysfunctional crazy seems just that, crazy.

So in an effort to unload my Christmas of all the things nonessential I’ve decided to do the following.

1. Enjoy the gifts already present
   I’m surrounded by gifts that are truly a blessing from God, my family. I may not like them some days but I love them always. I’m sure if you looked around, you have the same types of blessings in your life. Gifts that make life worth living. Yes, furry family members count too.
2. Celebrate the reason with what you give
   I’m less concerned about the date Jesus was born and more focused on the fact that He was born. So let’s take the time to truly celebrate the reason for the season. Yes, I know that phrase can become so mundane and cliche’ this time of year but it can help to refocus you on the true meaning of Christmas. Christ was born. Share that and love with those who need it most.
3. Less stress, more presence
   I’ve limited my family members to one present each. Saves me time in the store, indeed, but it also allows us to spend more time with each other. No more stress trying to make sure everyone got what they wanted. Building memories with your family outlast any gift you can every purchase. The same is true of the time you spend with Jesus. So choose to spend time like Mary did, sitting at His feet.