Clinging to Christmas

I kind of fell out of love with Christmas.
Too many sweets.
Too many traditions to try to keep.
Too many expectations.
Too many parties.
Too much to do.
Too much spending.
Too much stuff.

But I am still looking for the coming of my Savior.

How do I redeem burn out season? 

How shall I prepare for Jesus?

I mean no disrespect for people who love all the holiday buzz.  And I don't want to be insensitive to those who are going through really tough times of grief, loss, and uncertainty.  I want to make Christ's birthday party a Joy.

Two years ago, my beautiful baby girl was born at the end of October.  I made a point of not committing myself to any activities that December.  Lo and behold - when Christmas rolled around I was not a stressed out mess. 

One year ago, I swore off sweets for Advent.  Consider it a modified fast if you will.  Instead of reaching December 25 feeling like an overstuffed whale on a sugar crash, I felt excited about the party!  Christmas was here.  Let's celebrate.  Let's enjoy the chocolate now without feeling burnt out on it.

So what about this year? 

I have two books that I am using as guides.
"The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions" by Lisa Welchel

and

"Festival of Christmas" by Edna H. Hong and Mary Hinderlie

My plan is to use these books, not to cram the season with more stuff, but to give priority to the stuff that refreshes the spirit, encourages the sojourner, and points to the Lord.