We all want Christmas to be meaningful, filled with that same magic that we felt as little children. In reality, with each year, we become stressed and overwhelmed with the shopping, spending, parties, traffic, etc. At the end of the day, we are just happy to survive it. It’s hard to find the TRUE meaning of Christmas when our priorities and schedules stress us out emotionally and physically. It’s time to rethink Christmas and restore the magic in our hearts…and this is how to do it.

Be Present

Each year, Americans spend more and more money on the holidays—last year it was reported that $602 billion was spent! Gift giving is a wonderful, thoughtful tradition. But since when did it overshadow the real reason for Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ? Perhaps less focus should be on presents this year and more focus should be spent on celebrating like Jesus did. With time and charity. Jesus gave Himself each and every day, even up until His last day when He paid the ultimate price for our eternal salvation. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22

Donate Food

Holiday food is one of the most wonderful Christmas traditions. Recipes passed down from generations helps keep loved ones near to our heart and food has a beautiful way of becoming part of our treasured memories. It’s also a time of gratitude to the Lord for his abundant provision. However, if your family is anything like mine, we tend to over-do-it. There is always far too much food left over and we are always stressed out trying to get every dish out on the table. Perhaps with the excess food we bring to our holiday tables, we can donate it to the thousands of needy families around the country that could use some Christmas cheer. "Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

Make Memories

Nothing is better than walking into a house with fresh baked Christmas cookies in the air…except eating them, of course! Just make sure you aren’t spending too much time in the kitchen slaving away over every batch of cookies and be sure to put the spatula down and join the rest of the family in making memories. "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Be the Light

Christmas lights are beautiful and create a wonderful symbol of the light the birth of Christ brought into this world. While you embrace the tinsel and lights this year, fix your heart on becoming the light of Christ in a world that is so in need of Him. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Send Peace

Gifts are great, but what this world needs now is peace and it’s not going to happen without messengers. So spread as much of it around as you possibly can. "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

Wrap People in Hugs

Not only are hugs one of the greatest forms of expressing love and compassion, they also have been proven to have a positive effect on our health. Challenge yourself to hug someone new you encounter or even that person you struggle to get along with. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34