How to Plan the Best Christmas Ever!
I love the entire holiday season. November 1 is my official start date for holiday prep. But I refuse to put up any Christmas décor, play any Christmas music or entertain much about Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving. Well, I did cheat a little this year by getting my fall pictures done early and using them for my Holiday cards.
I refuse to just jump into Christmas because retailers start decking the aisles. I actually get annoyed when holiday decorations appear in September. Really? Quit rushing me and trying to get in my pockets! Admittedly, it's easy to get caught up in 'spirit' of Christmas and miss the heart of it at the same time. I do take it as a sign that I need to pull out my Holiday Planner.
Ensuring it really is the Best Christmas
I celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Year's Day with a lot of Jesus. I like pretty things and presents, but He’s my real joy. Be careful not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and forget the reason we celebrate: the birth of our eternal hope.
The world has commercialized Christmas to death. I’m all about the tinsel and glitter, but I would be remiss to ignore the Christ of Christmas in all my holiday planning, baking, gift-giving and party going. As we plan this holiday season, keep the main thing the main thing. I’m not asking you to become a secluded monk or enter seminary here. I’m simply saying don’t go look at the lights before you reflect on THE Light. Understood?
Practical ways Plan Christmas with Jesus in mind.
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- Take time to read the bible passages about the birth of Christ. ( Luke 2:1-20)
- Read scriptures anticipating Christmas Day. Here are my favorites from the Bible.org reading plans. You can download the app on your phone or tablet to read the plans.
- Incorporate a Nativity scene in your holiday décor
The world commercialized Christmas to death. Don't ignore the Christ of Christmas in holiday planning. #Christmas2019'
- Switch out your Elf on the Shelf for the Shepard on the Search or Little Lamb from Bethlehem
- Start a devotional plan
- Give gifts that glorify God and remind people of the gift he is to us.
- Use Christ-themed gift-wrapping paper
- Visit the sick and shut-in
- Donate to your local church and/or Christian charity
- Volunteer at a local charity to demonstrate Christ's love to others
- Spend time with the lonely widow or elderly
- Journal a few sentences every day in December about what His coming actually means
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