Grinch got your Christmas? 4 steps to take it back

This time of year is full of stress!  Shopping malls are packed, money is tight, there are three times as many events as normal, family and friends all have expectations of time together, our regular routine is destroyed, and our children are bouncing off the walls!  

There is so much that turns us into Christmas Grinch's here are 4 steps to get back your Christmas spirit!

1)      Remember:  take time to remind yourself why you are doing all of the things that are causing you stress!  Christmas is the celebration of Jesus.  Christmas is a special time with family and friends we love.  Christmas is time for making memories together.  These are the reasons that we put ourselves through all this stress!  Make sure you take time to remember what the point is!

2)      Reduce:  Take a look at your Christmas expectations.  Then prioritize.  What is absolutely essential?  What can wait?  Can a group of family or friends get together in January?  It might reduce everyone’s stress.  Does Uncle Joe really need another scarf or necktie?  A nice card or a donation in his name to your favorite charity could make a very quick, easy no stress gift. 

3)   Read:  Make sure you find time this Christmas to actually read the Christmas story.  To make this even easier, just click here to find it!   Are you celebrating with kids this year?  Make sure you find time to read the story to them!  My family is reading “One Wintry Night” by Ruth Graham as an Advent devotional.  It is a great retelling of the purpose of Christmas from a child’s perspective.  

4)      Respond:  Everyone is feeling the stress this Christmas.  If you run into someone who’s stress level is boiling over think about ways that you can help reduce their stress.  Your act of service for another will actually go a long way to help you Remember the point of Christmas and Reduce your stress level!  You get to do 3 steps in one shot!

Still feeling Grinchy?  Just remember this:

              God

              Reached

              Into the world

              Now

              Christ is

              Hope