Maybe Try a Simpler Christmas this Year.

 

Make It a Simple Christmas

That time is upon us, and while there is nothing better than being with loved ones making memories, somehow, there are moments of stress. If your December calendar is like most, filled with holiday parties, music concerts, parades, and shopping, then you understand. We want to get everything done and make everyone happy in such a short time. But your to-do list is longer than your kid’s Christmas list, and you have no idea how you’re going to get it all done!

Does your Christmas seem to be shaping up to be more of a hassle than a Christ-centered holiday? Do you feel like you are becoming distracted from the true meaning of the holidays? Doing less and keeping it simple can mean more time for family, more room for traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

Your family and friends can appreciate the simplicity of Christmas by following these helpful tips and continue this new (and simple) holiday tradition.

Stress Less

If you ask your kids if they remember what they got last year, they might not remember or what they got when they were 6. I remember the times we made hot chocolate and drove around to see the lights, making crafts at school, and singing in the church choir. It’s the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It presents the opportunity for us to count our blessings one by one, give to others and be with those who mean a lot to us. Here are a few things to get you started and away from mass consumption of things.

Starting Simple Traditions- These traditional ideas are simple, don’t cost much, and will be enjoyed by your family.

  • each child picks out a new ornament each year
  • reading Luke chapter 2 as a family
  • setting up the tree on Black Friday instead of waiting in line at all hours of the night
  • attending our town’s Christmas Parade
  • having a family game night one night per week


Plan It Out- We have a lot on our plate during the holidays, and a schedule planned out on a separate calendar can help make it easier. This can help if you have multiple children. No one can do it all, but we try. Another thing you can try is saying “no.” If your plate is already full, it’s okay to pass if it will become too much.

Simple Gifts- There can be much more meaning in a gift that has thought behind it rather than just something expensive. Putting yourself in debt is the opposite of what the holiday means so there is no reason to go hog-wild when buying presents. Set some money aside throughout the year, and have a per-person budget to help curb any out-of-control spending. A handmade gift from the heart can have more meaning. Even if you feel you may not have the talent, put your apprehension aside and try to make some homemade gifts. Experiences can also be great gifts too, so maybe plan a hike, camping trip, or road trip to somewhere new. 

Remember Why- Keep this in mind, “For many, the Christmas season is filled with worry and stress,” Billy Graham once said. “But, of course, it shouldn’t be this way. Christmas should be a time of joy and thankfulness, for it celebrates the greatest event in human history: the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. On that night over 2,000 years ago, God stepped down from heaven’s glory and took upon Himself our humanity, so we could come to know Him.”

Be Content with Who You Are and What You Want

Christmas means joy, love, family, and giving. You don’t have to exhaust your self to have the perfect day. If you feel like you are losing focus and stressing, remember, “Collect moments, not things.” These traditions can be learned by your children and passed on to theirs. Chose to opt-out of the chaos and chose to simplify this time with those you love. Have yourself a simple little Christmas.

The Open Door in Cisco and Breckenridge

Christmas is a time of giving and The Open Door understands that times are tough. If you are having trouble making ends meet, we may be able to help. Visit us online and learn more about the free programs we have in place to help people in and around Eastland and Stephens County. From free pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to monthly childcare products, we strive to help those in need.

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