Christmastime is an exciting time.

And I have never felt less excited.

I thought maybe it’s because my kids are no longer home. Or maybe it’s because it has become a financial nightmare for so many. It could be the stress of deciding which place to be and when. It could be that the one who made Christmas so special and exciting is no longer on this side of Heaven.

It could be all of these things put together and then some.

As I sit and reflect, I remember the Christmases long ago. I remember gathering with family at my aunt’s home on Christmas Eve. I remember the food that over ran the tables and kitchen counters. I remember laughing with cousins and the smell of the fireplace as we opened gifts.

I can remember riding home and looking up, trying to catch a glimpse of something in the night sky. Then going to sleep with the glow of the tree lights in the living room.

Most of all, I just remember.

I remember and I realize that I just need to get back to the basics. We all do.

Quit stressing over having just the right gift. Quit stressing over all the money you think you need to spend. Quit trying to please everyone. Quit trying to be seven places at once.

Instead, start enjoying the time with family. Put down the phones and sit around the table and have conversations. Bring back the excitement of just being with your kids, your parents & grandparents if you still have them.

Bring back telling the story of Jesus’ birth. After all, He is the reason for Christmas.

If you find yourself falling into the unexcited trap that I am finding myself in, remember The Reason…The Joy of CHRISTmas.

And let His hope renew that joy and innocence again.

Until Next Time…