The Christmas season is always such a special time of the year. It's a time for being with family and friends. A time of giving, loving, and serving. It's a time where hearts are turned to the Savior, His remarkable birth and life, and how He changed the fate of mankind forever. And while it is a wonderful time of year, it is easy to lose the meaning and wonder of the season. The checklists seem to grow longer and longer, the hours stretch on trying to get everything done, and there always seems to be one more gift to buy or one more event to attend. The demands on our time, energy and spirit can sometimes be overwhelming and instead of feeling uplifted, we can end up feeling drained. The magic and joy we once felt as a child can dim as we get caught up in all of our responsibilities and the hustle and bustle of the season. So how do we keep the right focus and actually enjoy the season?
I believe one of the first things is to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves. I know that it can be hard especially this time of year when we're trying to do so much for so many people. It's easy to feel a bit guilty for thinking of taking time for ourselves, but as contradictory as it seems, as we take time for ourselves, we actually will be able to give more to others while also maintaining our own well being and happiness. One analogy I have always loved is that of a lamp. We can't give light to others if our lamps are empty of oil. So it is important that we take these small, simple moments to recharge and take care of ourselves. Stephanie Lahart once said, "Go above and beyond for yourself! You do it for family, friends, and colleagues, but don’t forget about YOU. It’s important to include yourself… You are worthy of your own kindness, too!"
Another thing that has helped me to keep the right focus of the season is to take moments for reflection and rededication. With the New Year coming on and this year coming to a close, it's a good time to think about what we have accomplished, what were our wins, triumphs, and blessings of the past year. We can think about what we would like to do better the next year, and how we can finish the year strong and start the New Year off right. "There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart — and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all." (Thomas S. Monson)
This leads me to my next point - sometimes we overcomplicate things. This time of year there is so many good things to do. There is service to do, family to visit, holiday traditions to carry out, parties to attend, shopping to get done, decorations to put up, and on and on and on. These things are all good and fun to do. But sometimes we get so concerned about making those perfect memories or a picture-perfect Christmas that we end up missing out on some of the best moments. Sometimes by slowing down and simplifying things, we are able to enjoy even more time with those we hold dearest and to create more lasting memories. I love the quote, "Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more." (John Kabat-Zinn). As contradictory as it seems, it actually works.
Finally, we need to make sure that we are taking the time to show both love and gratitude. Starting with Thanksgiving and continuing into the Christmas season, we have the opportunity to reflect upon the many blessings that we have received. There are so many people who have blessed our lives and helped to shape us into the person we are today. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year to give back and express our appreciation and love to them. As we show our gratitude and love, our hearts begin to be filled even more with the Spirit of Christ, and more love, joy, and light come into our lives. Most of all it's a time to reflect on God's greatest gift to us of His Son.
"Because of Jesus the Christ, we need never feel like strangers again. We will rise with the just when he returns! And because of His perfect life and eternal sacrifice, one day we can stand with the angels of heaven and receive with them an eternal gift.
May we, this Christmas season, remember our generous Heavenly Father and give profound and heartfelt thanks to our Almighty God, who has given all of his children wings to fly." Dieter F. UchtdorfI am so grateful for this wonderful time of year to remember our Savior and be with those we love. I hope that we may all have a wonderful Christmas this year, and as Tiny Tim famously said, "God bless us every one"
