The true meaning of Christmastime

Like all working moms, with little kids and heart to share, I am usually overwhelmed by the month before Christmas. I am always trying to pack too many parties, cookies, niceties, traditions, and family outings into an already overloaded month. It is so easy to be just too busy to do any "heart work" or spiritual growth. This year, I am trying to be a little counter-cultural. I am loving my devotional The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp. I love thinking of the Christmas tree as Jesus's Family Tree and learning more about Jesus and how He became our greatest gift. It has given me a completely new perspective on Christmas. Instead of rushing to run upstairs and wrap presents or write Christmas cards, I find myself stopping, to breathe and be thankful in prayer. Actually, I feel like my heart and mind are quieter, no to-do lists on repeat constantly burdening me. 

Growing up Orthodox, we always had a secular holiday celebration on the 25th of December and a religious celebration on 6th of January. We fasted, or chose not to eat meat before Christmas, as a mean of spiritual preparation. As a young person, I always found this fasting to be more of distraction than anything. But, now I find December to be an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth. It is so very simple, but I am truly astounded at how many years it took me to realize this. 

Don't get me wrong, there will be cookies, and parties, and celebrations, presents and more food than we know what to do with. But in the heart of me, my focus is different. Instead of trying to give the best gifts, or throw the best parties, I'm focused on learning ways to be quieter and kinder. I'm gifter, that is how I love. But this year, my focus is on showing kindness and affection in a way that is not focused on the materials but more gentleness and being present. 

If you are thinking about doing this with your family, Ann Voskamp also has a family read-aloud version Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas. 

Whatever your holiday preparations are, I hope they are joyful. Merry Christmas. I wish you and your family a peaceful and spiritual Advent.