Approaching the holidays

Stores are decked out with festive winter christmas joy. The music has begun, and neighbors are stringing lights on their homes. Yes we are in that less than month race toward Christmas. Gift buying and meal planning, invitations and times to gather together. Holidays are filled with so much. That includes memories of what once was, and missing those who are no longer with us.

As you narrow the gap toward the holiday how are you doing? How is your heart? And how are you coping with the most extravagant materialistic season? Society seems to put pressure on us to conform, to buy the shiniest, biggest, newest and best. But this year the economy has pressed in to make that not always the option. and perhaps if you are like me this life is paring back to more simple ways. Good food and family matter more than a bazillion things under the tree. Caring for each other is a gift that is daily. I myself dont go out and spend money i dont have to impress people that dont seem to care. Harsh maybe… but somehow all of that buying frenzy looses the real meaning of christmas. It is a day to reflect on how God himself sent Jesus to be born to a poor couple under harsh conditions. This baby would grow up to be the savior of the world and that is the greatest gift we could receive.

So how are you doing today? If you are frenzied, or stressed then take time, have a cup of tea and quiet your heart. This holiday season can look a million different ways. Choose to celebrate Christmas in a way that brings you peace and joy.