Merry Christmas Everyone

As the Christmas rush falls upon us, I hope we all make time to slow down, take a deep breath, and remember why we are celebrating this holiday. I dread Black Friday. Only because I know what it brings. It brings out the worst in people. Not everyone. But most everyone. The stores are packed with cranky shoppers who cant find that perfect gift they are looking for. I'm not even sure most people know what the perfect gift is. They just know they cant find it! The poor cashiers are ready to pull their hair out because they are having to deal with all the rude, hurried shoppers who cant find what they are looking for.

I really just want to crawl into a hole and wait for January 1 to roll around. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas anyway. I love the decorations, the tree, the fresh baked breads and carols on the radio. I even love the corny Christmas movies that come on every night. I especially love the fact that Jesus was born and I know he loves me. I wish we would all take more time to reflect upon that. We are way more concerned about what little Suzie is going to think about her present when she opens it. It stresses people out. That's not what Christmas is supposed to be about.

Now if you are here because you are one of the unfortunate people who is jobless, homeless, car less or all of the above, this is definitely a stressful time for you. It doesn't need to be. You are focusing on the wrong things. Stop worring about not having money for presents, and focus on what Christmas is really about.

My husband and I took the kids to a play in town put on by some of the local college students. It was called "Every Christmas Story Ever Told". It was cheap, fun and hilarious. We came up with every excuse not to go at first. There was too much to do, the kids had school the next day, it was waaaay to cold outside. We finally decided the excuses were only going to hinder a lovely night out together. We went and we were so glad we did.

Take some time to find inexpensive things to do with your family to make some holiday memories. Lots of churches have free programs this time of year and from my experience, some of them are quite good! Don't spend the entire holiday feeling sorry for yourself and finding excuses not to enjoy yourself. Don't let the frenzied holiday shoppers get you down. Just keep telling yourself, January 1 will be here before I know it and it will once again be safe to shop!

Until next time, Merry Christmas and keep your head held high.

Trina