By Betty Predmore

If you are like me, Christmas is a BIG DEAL!  It is that special time of year when there is excitement (and a chill) is in the air and everything seems magical.

Also, if you are like me, a lot of that “magic” comes from your efforts to make the season the best it can be for your family.  After all, isn’t that a mama’s job?

We decorate, we cook, we shop, we hide, we wrap.  The family is running here, there and everywhere looking for the perfect gift for the hubby and the kids.  There is hustle to make sure the neighbors get baked goods, the parties get attended, and the costumes get made for the church reenactment of the manger scene.

Is Your Christmas Going to Be Merry?

If we aren’t careful, Christmas can go from being a joy to becoming a chore.  

Soon, if we aren’t mindful, our focus gets shifted from the REAL meaning of the season to the WORLD’S meaning of the season.

So, how do we keep our mind focused on what this season is really about?  How do we keep ourselves from running on empty while we are trying to fill everyone’s season with excitement? And how do we make an intentional effort to focus on our marriage during all the bustle?

Focus on Your Heart This Christmas

Remind yourself of what Christmas really means.  Take this time of the year to turn to those beautiful scriptures that tell the story of the birth of the Messiah.  Picture it in your mind and dwell on it in your heart.  Share these scriptures with your family and make them a part of your celebration. Pray daily for God to fill you with joy for the season, and appreciation for the gift of His Son.

Focus on Yourself This Christmas

Make room for some “me” time.  In all the hustle and bustle, take time for refreshing your body and your spirit.  How about a cup of peppermint mocha or a hot cup of cocoa?  How about a warm bath with the aroma of Christmas candles around you?  Maybe you could actually indulge in some of that baking you have been doing?

Focus on Your Marriage This Christmas

Don’t forget “us” time. During this season of busyness, we can accidentally push our hubbies to the sidelines.  Make some time for a romantic dinner.  Go on a shopping adventure together.  Have a wrapping party after the kids go to bed.  Maybe pull out the mistletoe! And most importantly, pray together for the spirit of the season to be present in your hearts.

Wife Step: Wives, you can do it!  WE can do it!  We can make this season special for our families.  We can celebrate the birth of Jesus and fill our homes with joy.  By making sure we are focusing on Jesus throughout the holiday, by giving ourselves permission for some time of refreshing, and by creating special time with our husbands, we can have a very Merry Christmas!