?Celebrate Christmas, I am too Busy!

Do you ever feel like you miss Christmas for all the business? We are struggling with that this year. With kiddos 2,4,&7 the materialism of Christmas has hit us full stream ahead. Maybe even caught me a little off guard. I thought it would be a few years down the road before we were so busy around Christmas. I thought I could shelter my kids from the materialism for a few more years, but tonight we found ourselves headed to the mall to sit in Santa's lap. We down play Santa in our house, but we also don't wont him to be taboo. S wanted to sit in Santa's lap, with list in hand. I must say I was proud she only had 3 things on her list. E and M opted to ride the train, instead of sitting in Santa's lap, which was fine with me. We also decided against the 20$ pictures with Santa, deciding to take our own Christmas picture at home. We have plans every night this week, and when we don't have plans Z is working to be able to afford this expensive season. That in turn leads me to be tired and exhausted, taking care of kids alone far more than usual. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but sometimes all the stuff surrounding Christmas wears me out. We had a visiting preacher last night that said it is sad when we get so busy that even Christians have to remind ourselves to "keep Christ in Christmas". Christ is Christmas. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. As I go about this holiday I need to ask myself. How would Christ want me to remember this Christmas season. Would He want me to drag my kids everywhere, making sure we attend all the parties, give all the gifts, and hang every ornament perfectly on the tree? or would He want me to take time to reflect on the perfect gift He gave to us, share that with others, and spread His love? He could care less if I get all my baking done, send out Christmas cards, or get the wreath hung on our house. Help me to slow down this Christmas season, leave some things undone, and focus on Christ. The only reason for the season.