Caught up in the Christmas Rush?

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the Christmas rush. There's gifts to buy, goodies to bake, family to see, parties to attend etc. Often there is much to do and little time to do it! I can feel overwhelmed. However, I am learning I can be overwhelmed by the to-do list, or I can choose to be overwhelmed by the goodness of the season.

Here are some truths that are helping me make the better choice.

Anxiety is minimized, when a correct perspective is maximized.

It is ABSOLUTELY true! You can feel overwhelmed and anxious when stuck in a negative mindset. Sure, there's a lot to tackle, but guess what? You have the power to change your perspective! You have the abitlity to choose your path. You can worry or make a plan to get things done. You can try to do it all or choose to let some things go. You can overwhelm yourself or you can ask for help. You can even scale back on your activities. It's all about the choices you make and what you focus on. You anc I can choose to see the negative in an overwhelming list, or we can focus on the joy of the season.

Center Your Focus on the Christ-Child.

When i get overwhelmed I like to change my focus from the long to-do list to the meaning of Christmas. Remember the why! Remember that Christmas is a joyous celebration of love, a time when families and friends gather to share in the warmth and happiness of the season. This festive occasion is highlighted by the incredible gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we commemorate with great reverence and joy. The significance of Christ's arrival into the world cannot be overstated; it represents not only a pivotal moment in history but also the embodiment of divine love and grace given to humanity.

At the heart of Christmas is the profound message of hope and redemption that Christ brings to our lives. His presence offers us boundless peace and joy. The story of His humble birth in a stable in Bethlehem serves as a powerful reminder of the simplicity and purity of love. (Luke 2)

Christmas is much more than a festive holiday; it is a profound celebration of love, hope, and joy, centered around the miraculous gift of God's Son. Let this be your focus! As we embrace the spirit of the season, let us remember to carry the message of peace and goodwill into our everyday lives, allowing the light of Christ to guide our actions and interactions with others.

Center Your Focus on Your Favorites

Focus on the positive. There's no need to dwell on what you dislike. Replace negative thoughts with your favorite things. Make a list and then enjoy your list! Thank the Lord for your many gifts. This is always helpful. Again remember the why-. Here's mine.

My Christmas Favs At the Old Seamon FarmHouse:

The Big Full Christmas tree standing tall as she wears ornaments full of memories and stories to recall!

The magic when loved ones walk through the back door with their arms full of little faces and the instant cray cray! It's truly the best!

The excitement of young hearts ready to open gifts

Christmas recipes shared from MawMaw Seamon and Nanny Rice that have been pased down through the years.

The retelling of the Christmas story as Family sits at the tree. Sometimes PopPop reads the Bible Story, last year the grandkids dress in costumes and acted out the Biblical story.

Christmas movies are always fun!

Quiet Mornings of devo reading with the white lights of the Christmas tree.

Date night with my guy to see the surrounding lights.

Yummy Christmas Cookies

Each year might look a little different but every year is a time to pause to remember the reason for the season. In essence, this season may have its own unique circumstances and experiences, but the core message remains consistent: Your anxiety will be minumized when your correct focus is maximized. Center your focus on the Christ-Child. Remember your favorites of the season and enjoy!

Merry Christmas!