Christmas should be a time of rest from the cares, anxieties, and sorrows of this world. I have a Mary Englebreit ornament that says 'You better not pout.' I hang it in my car to remind me that if I'm not feeling joyful, then I need to change what I'm doing or change my attitude.
Christmas should be a time to enjoy the love we give to the people in our lives, and be blessed by their love in return. For my family and friends this means gathering for a meal with lots of laughter and catching up on each other's lives. With family, it's Christmas breakfast and a lazy day of playing new games and trying new toys. With friends, it's a girl dinner with great wine and better food (and the best gossip).
Gift giving at Christmas is a celebration of the real gift of Christmas, the Prince of Peace, Jesus. You can feel it on the still, cold nights that come at Christmas time - the stars in the black sky and the calm in the air. We have a God who loves us and protects us with His real presence. I sigh with joy as I'm reminded of the greatest gift at Christmas. Then, I go inside and joyfully check my Christmas list for each child, my family and friends; and with anticipation of another wonderful Christmas, ask my child, 'What do you want for Christmas?'