Are children stressed by Christmas preparations? No,
they’re not, but often adults are. We need to learn from our children. The
holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Many of us have
forgotten how to view the festivities with child-like enjoyment. Here are some
child-like traits to cultivate during this Christmas season. These will give
you a wonder-filled Christmas.
1. Stay in the
present. When we worry we borrow trouble. Most of the things we worry about don’t
happen. Children live in the present. Children know how to enjoy each moment as
it comes.
2. Be playful. Instead
of dreading gift wrapping, for example, make it an enjoyable experience. Create
original ways to wrap the gifts. Pick paper or ribbons that will surprise or
please the recipients of your gifts. Make it play rather than work.
3. Have fun!
Laugh! Don’t be so serious about holiday
plans. Instead, make a game out of all that you do. The average four year old
laughs every four minutes. Look at life through the eyes of a child and you
will feel joy and will a laugh a lot.
4. Anticipate the
coming festivities with excitement. Remember how you looked forward to Christmas as a child. Children are eager and they anticipate the
joy ahead.
5. Be a little
silly as children often are. You can be responsible, do the things that need to
be done but still, on occasion, be a little silly. Let loose and be
unpredictable. Get rid of your schedule and flow with what’s enjoyable.
6. Develop
child-like faith. The Christmas season is a special time of awe and wonder. Tune
in to the miracle of life and the love of God. Enjoy Christmas events,
specials on TV and inspiring worship. Be amazed by the greatest miracle of all,
the incarnation - God as a new born babe.
“For unto us a child is born…”
Isaiah 9:6
Blessings, Dottie
Dottie:
ReplyDeleteYou have some good points here. Too often, I have lived by the clock or the calendar. When I look at what I have waiting on me to do, I really get stressed. Thank you for your insight.