Find ways to stay in the Christmas spirit
"Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
- 2 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV)
Tis the season for list making. Maybe yours is the famous to-do list filled with dishes to bake and gifts to buy. Or, one of my all-time favorites, the wish list.
While some are able to keep mental notes in their heads, others put their lists down on paper. But to celebrate and keep the season sacred, all of us should consider writing a few reminders on our hearts.
The list could be considered our heavenly Father's Christmas list and contain attitudes of the heart to keep our season merry.
Things like saying "merry Christmas" as often as possible seem to make our heart and those around us a bit more cheerful. Somehow, just mouthing the words seems to alter our state of mind. I enjoy saying it to store clerks and others I come in contact with. After all, the Bible says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22).
Sing or listen to Christmas tunes. We have such a short time to play holiday songs. We should try fitting in a few each day. Singing or listening to the lyrics can fill our hearts with faith and hope.
Practice having childlike faith. Jesus instructed us to have the faith of a child (Mark 10:14-15). Children believe easier and find joy in the simple things.
My sister lost her husband this past year, and has been focusing on her childlike faith by making new decorations to mix with her old traditions as she starts on her new path and strives to turn her grief to joy this first Christmas alone.
Kids often dance to an upbeat holiday tune. There's nothing like a little movement to stir a merry heart. Be sure to join in, even if it is by simply clapping your hands.
Kids stir their faith. Watching those whimsical Christmas specials kids know and love can kindle that childlike faith in our hearts.
Watching the movie "Scrooge" at least once during the Christmas season can remind us that loving and giving are what really matters to God. Although we all enjoy dreaming of what we want, we can discover the joy of giving.
And besides the tangible gifts, we can give the gift of a heartfelt smile or a compliment to lift someone else's spirit and make the season bright.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.