Holidays

I love Christmas, really I do, the birth of my Savior, the lights, family, and oh the music!!! But oh how I hate what this time of year has become.  All the hustle and bustle and hollering and stress, UGH! Makes me want to say bah-humbug and sleep in till next year.  So, what is a single mom who desperately wants my 3 children to learn that Christmas is about Christ the King being born???  I think everyone who knows what Christmas is truly about struggles with this very question.
So, here are a few things that I have decided.  One, we don't do Santa.  I told the children from the very beginning that Santa was a real man a very long time ago and that we remember the way that he loved others at Christmas time to point us to the love that God has for each and every one of us.  We talk about it and that there is a "santa" everywhere.  Now to everyone else out there who does perpetuate the Santa story with their children, relax my children have been told and taught to respect others and their ways of celebrating, so they won't blow it for other children who do believe.
Second, our church is celebrating Christmas by serving a free Christmas dinner to anyone who needs a place to go for ANY reason, there is a warm, safe, loving place for any and everyone who needs it.  They are just asking people to register by calling the church or going onto the website to register so there are enough gifts for the children and food.  That said, I have decided to volunteer to help cook and serve this Christmas dinner with my children.  I want them to know that the true joy of the holidays is in giving: our time, our possessions, and more than anything, the love that we know because of Christ and His amazing gift to each of us!  So, on Christmas morning we will get up have a very small Christmas in our apartment, and head to the church to be a blessing to others.  I am SO looking forward to this and seeing how God works through this special time.
Finally, I am trying to cut back on all the chaos of the season.  I love parties and events as much as anyone, but really this time is about remembrance, so sorry I am only one mom, and definitely NOT a superhero, so I can only do so much.  Where do I put my time? To that which I value most.  First and foremost, my children.  Second, my family.  Third my friends and if there is any time left after this then others.
I pray that you all are blessed enormously this season, and that you take time out for the things that really matter.... your Savior and your loved ones.  God Bless you all.....