What you focus on is where you will be drawn toward. Have you ever noticed that when you are driving, you go where you look?

Christmas is a time of joy, peace, and hope.

But is it for you this holiday season?

Are you so stressed and overwhelmed that all you can think about is what you CAN’T do or what CAN’T be done?

So let me ask you– How’s your Christmas going?

Maybe you are starting to feel the stress because it’s one week until Christmas. Lately, have you been feeling a bit worn out and drained? With so much on your plate, it’s takes a toll on your energy, and even then, you can’t think straight.

I went to mail some packages back to where I purchased them from, and the postmaster gal ask me if I was ready for Christmas.

Well, in a milli-second, my mind saw the reel of how my house looked like a tornado blew through. But, and it was a big BUT….

I told her “Yes”, because of all of this, meaning the packages I was returning. She quickly assumed I had all my gifts wrapped.

However, in that moment, I crushed that thought because it wasn’t true. Yet I did have something more precious ready. I was ready to unwrap the gift of presence!

The K.I.S.S. ~ Unwrap the gift of presence!

You see, Christmas is not about all that you have done. It’s that you’re ready to receive and be present. A gift of joy, hope, and peace was given on Christmas. No one had time to prepare for what was to come. But those who were ready to be present were gifted with the greatest gift of all.

You can have a joy-filled Christmas, but it comes with a price. You have to be ready to unwrap the gift of presence.

Only you can do that for yourself so that you can do that for others. Imagine giving your spouse, your children, your parents, your puppies and your kitty cats your undivided attention.

Who cares about a clean house? Who really cares about how many sides there are with the turkey? Who really cares if there are a few piles of laundry?

The pages on the calendar are going to flip where it will boldly proclaim, “It’s Christmas!”

So today, let’s unwrap the gift of presence.

1. Recognize the Power of Your Mind

Your mindset has a profound impact on your experiences during Christmas. By shifting your focus to the positive aspects of the season, you can transform the way you perceive and enjoy this special time. Remember the words from Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Embrace this truth and let it shape your perspective.

2. Deal with Holiday Stress

Christmas can bring about stress, whether it’s related to shopping, hosting, or meeting the expectations of others. To prepare your heart and mind for the festivities, it’s crucial to manage stress and cultivate calmness. Prioritize self-care by setting aside time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Additionally, set boundaries to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Remember that it’s okay to say no and prioritize what truly matters.

3. Be Gratefully Happy

In the midst of all the busyness, don’t forget to practice gratitude and choose to be happy. Cultivating an attitude of happy gratitude can transform your entire holiday experience. Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, big and small. Let Philippians 4:6 guide you: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Remember, when you smile more than you frown,  that’s when you begin to unwrap the gift of presence.

This Christmas will not be perfect. You are going to forget some gifts, even though you made the list and checked it more than twice.

But who wants a perfect Christmas?

How about a Christmas where you get to have conversations with the ones you love and care deeply for? How about a Christmas where there is a resolve with confidence and calm? How about a Christmas where you can sit more than you stand? How about a Christmas where you have memories you will treasure and you don’t have to look back at your phone to see what happened?

How about a Christmas where you unwrap the gift of presence?

May the Lord bless you and your family this season.

Go in peace!

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“