How To Make the Most of This Christmas

While some of you absolutely love this time of year, others of you dread it. For some, it brings back hurting memories and it feels physically and emotionally draining. With 2020 being what it was, maybe this year it feels even worse.

But whether you love the season or hate it, it is here nonetheless. So why not make Christmas special? Change those memories and transform the drain into a boost. You can make the most of Christmas and turn it into a delight.

Some have lost loved ones during the Christmas season. I understand that. My dad passed away the day before Thanksgiving while he was getting dressed to come to our house. Now when my family gathers on Thanksgiving, we eventually move the conversation to Dad and the things we remember about him. It hasn’t stolen the holiday. It’s made it more special. You can do that too. Why not turn it around and use the season to celebrate your loved one, bringing back precious memories.

Regardless of what’s in the past, you can make this Christmas special.

For starters, minimize the stress. Don’t obligate yourself to every family gathering. This is a good year to start your own traditions, since most will understand due to COVID. Set some boundaries for spending on gifts, as well. Far too much is made of the “magic of Christmas” that we talk about. When in reality, we are encouraging greed in our children. Let’s minimize that, along with the guilt of overspending.

Instead, let’s steer our families toward others, with special Christmas projects. There are numerous organizations in our community that give gifts to hurting families, and they need volunteers to wrap and deliver gifts. Maybe involve your whole family by taking on a missions project, buy gifts for children in foster homes, or help a struggling family in your neighborhood. Contact the Pacific Garden Mission to learn what projects you as a family can be involved with.

Make the most of Christmas cards. Sending them out can be stressful, I know. So maybe just send a few notes to some people who would be blessed with encouragement. And then, how about purposefully praying for each of the families who send you a card. Since our children were small, in the days leading up to Christmas, we’ve always set aside a couple of evenings to go through the cards we receive and pray for those who sent them.

Worship on Christmas Eve. We’ll have both online and in-person services at all of our locations this year. Remember, Christmas is about Jesus.

But don’t stop with just going to church. Schedule time to read and talk about different aspects of the Christmas story. Look for people at church or in your neighborhood who will be alone and could use a phone call. Be like Jesus for his birthday celebration!

The Christmas season is already upon us, and it will soon be a memory. Let’s make it a special one.