Tis the season....

I love the holiday season. It has always been my favorite time of year. My husband and I got engaged by the Christmas tree at my parents house because being with family at home this time of year is so important to me. There is something about the music, the lights and the celebrations and connecting with family and friends that gives me hope even as the weather turns cold and bleak. But, I will admit that every year I say that I am going to start early with my preparations to avoid the stress and angst of last minute shopping and decorating, and every year I find myself torn between my Christmas to do list and wanting to enjoy these weeks leading up to Christmas without the stress of all of that. After all, Christmas is not about the presents or the decorations. In "A Charlie Brown Christmas" when Charlie Brown was fretting about getting the last, small, Christmas tree left on the lot, Charles Schultz used Linus' character to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas when he had Linus recite these words, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men. ' “That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. It's about love, and kindness and the birth of a baby that was an example of love to the world. And, if you don't celebrate Christmas, I am sure that the holiday you celebrate has its own true meaning, and I'm sure it is not about gifts or lights or parties either.

So why do we all put so much pressure on ourselves to spend money on gifts that we can't afford and don't need? We rush from one task and party to another not even enjoying the moments with family and friends that are all too fleeting. If I think back to some of my favorite holiday memories they are things like lighting the candles in the midnight Christmas eve service as we sang, Silent Night; a sleigh ride with friends through Jackson, NH tasting chocolate as we went, watching Elf and Christmas vacation with the kids on Christmas Eve, building a snowman during a Christmas Eve snowstorm. None of these things are about presents, they are about spending time with those you love. This year, do yourself a favor. Step back and find some perspective. As I write this my list of holiday preparations sits on the counter and I think I need to find some perspective too. I think I will cross some of those things off my list to make time to be with the people I love, instead of buying more things for the people that I love. Let's celebrate the season by being present for the love and joy we have in our lives and not the presents under the tree.