The Christmas Spirit
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year! And also one of the busiest. And certainly, if you’re organizing or hosting a large gathering, one of the most stressful! And for those that have suffered loss, it can very well be a bittersweet time. For all its hang ups though, the Christmas season is special...when time is taken to enjoy it. Beyond buying obligatory gifts and attending parties, there are many ways to enjoy this season to its fullest and center ourselves around what makes Christmas special. The Christmas spirit, if you will.
The Story of Christmas
The most important thing we are celebrating is the birth of Christ. The Lord of Glory taking on flesh so that His flesh might bear our burdens and pay our way into eternity with Him someday. Whether you use devotionals that are focused on the Christmas story or read books every night, Bible study, etc., it is beneficial to keep Jesus at the center of this season!
Christmas Worship
Not worshipping Christmas, of course! Make some time to put on Christmas music that glorifies God and celebrate and thank Him for all He has done.
The Gift of Giving
Every family has their own way of exchanging gifts; maybe yours draws names or just buys for the kids. Gift-giving is fun! But it can become an obligation that we check off our list instead of something we do from our hearts.
Christmas gifts don’t have to be something we wrap and put under the tree for December 25th. There are a few ways our family has been intentional to incorporate giving into our season that might add some joy to yours!
- Taking gifts to neighbors
- This can be a tin of cookies, a handmade gift such as soap or a family ornament— the sky is the limit! And Pinterest is a great resource! When I was growing up, we had neighbors that made the BEST sausage balls you’ve ever had in your life. We received a container of them each year and even though it was simple, it was something we looked forward to!
- Taking a homemade meal to different people every week.
- Don’t overcomplicate this, unless you want to, of course! This can be as easy as making a couple extra servings of your meal on a weeknight and packing up the leftovers for another family. You can package it up to be pretty, or put it in a Walmart sack with a sweet note. Trust me, a homemade meal that saves them a night of cooking is appreciated any way it comes!
- Consider the singles in your church family or young couples that may not have somewhere to go; if you’re able to have them over around Christmas it can sure help the loneliness.
- If you send out Christmas cards, make a point to include personal notes to anyone on your heart.
Getting kids involved in all of these things can be a great way to teach them that it’s not all about receiving! Have them write letters and think of people to bless!
You’ll find that the more you bless people, the more your cup will run over. Loving on people will truly fill your heart and add so much joy to your Christmas season!
