Last year, I shared memories of Christmas my adult children have. I fully expected their excitement to include the magical décor in our home, the perfect gifts individually chosen, and delicious food I labored for hours to prepare! And, the display of shimmering lights Super Dad applied outside our home. The programs and light displays we would visit each year. And, Christmas Eve service with shenanigans of blowing out each other’s candles as we sang Silent Night.
I was shocked, and elated, when all three separately shared, their best Christmas memory was being together as a family and playing games!
I was elated the memory deep in their hearts is the presence of each other; what was shocking was the time and money I spent on meeting an expectation no one had.
The last seven years we’ve spent Christmas in our kid’s home. This year, my children, and their families, are coming to our home. After downsizing, I gave away most of my decorations and Christmas tree, so we’re starting over. But, I am STOPPING myself from Over-Christmasing! It’s real and it’s dangerous! We bought a new tree, not the one I wanted, but it’s perfect. I am not buying all new decorations – I am repurposing many things I already have. Spray paint is cheap and twigs are free from the backyard!
This Christmas Season, let the hustle and bustle of the world pass you by. Don’t go into debt buying presents that make you feel good, trying to meet expectations that may not be there. Do show your loved ones the value of being present and showing the love of Christ in giving your time, from the heart.
What are your expectations of yourself, and others, these next few weeks? Do you need to re-evaluate your time and money? Do you need to lower your expectations? It’s not too late. STOP yourself from Over-Christmasing.
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