I saw a little handwritten note deliberately perched on the staff lunch table in a teacher’s lounge of one of the schools at which I provide services. It read: “How to make the last few weeks before the break STRESS FREE:” Below those words were these: “You can’t. Good luck.” An encouraging smiley face was also drawn off to the side.
I giggled when I read that.
It might be very true for schools for the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What I’m not so sure about, though, is that it’s true from now until Christmas. All things considered, I think it could be pretty untrue.
There really are some stress-free activities in which we can engage during this season of goodwill, merriment, and cheer. I point you to only three – all with the hope that they will help reduce your stress and increase your ability to really feel Christ during the CHRISTmas holiday.
First, consider jumping on the Light the World wagon this CHRISTmas. It’s such a cool initiative, and I’m so thrilled to belong to a church that spearheads it.
Simply texting “light” to 71234 is a fun way to get “share your light” ideas. This year, the ideas are connected to characters or objects from the First Christmas nativity story. Very cool.
Our stake has really been awesome with this. Throughout our city, Light the World signs dot the snowy landscape. It’s so cool to drive past one and read the short slogans. I’ve been touched as I’ve read them. They say things like: “Let someone be kind to you,” “Kindness begins with me,” “Peacemakers needed,” “Brighten Your Light.” Just really cool sayings that inspire people to be rays of light, hope, and help.
One “Light the World” idea I read several days ago suggested leaving “a kind note for your mail carrier.” This felt like a fun idea, so I did it. I put some of my dried bananas in a little baggie, threw a few chocolates alongside, wrote our mail carrier a note of thanks for always delivering our mail so dependably, and bundled the little package in a small CHRISTmas box. I laid it in our mailbox and put our flag up. To my surprise later that day when I checked the mail, our mail carrier had written a note in return: “Thank you for the gift. We appreciate it and look forward to bringing your mail.” Signed, Solomon
Sigh.
It was so sweet.
Trying to light the world – one kind deed at a time – has actually lit my little world.
Second, contemplate what it might do for your faith and your soul to join in a few or several community CHRISTmas activities this year. Not just your ward party – though I definitely say yes, go to that for sure. But maybe some other things you normally would not attend. Tonight, I went to the local Grace Lutheran’s live nativity. I felt the Spirit. It was beautiful, and I was edified.
On my December calendar, I have: First Presidency devotional, ward CHRISTmas party, art show at Ashley Furniture, Idaho State Civic Symphony, First Presbyterian’s Bell Choir, City Hall Village CHRISTmas, a night of visits with the full-time sister missionaries, temple service, Hanukkah Shabbat Service at Temple Emanuel, Festival of Lights, and the Interfaith CHRISTmas Concert.
I might not make all those, but I’m going to try.
Do what health and finances will permit, but do something to lift your spirits to CHRISTmas realms, something to make December different, something in the community of which you are a part, something to help you celebrate the joy of Jesus and your redemption.
Lastly, spend time alone. Just you. In that aloneness, invite the Godhead to join you. Thank God anew for His incredible gift of His Son. Pour out your adoration to Jesus for saving you from yourself and the devil, and recognize the invaluable gift of the Holy Ghost. Have sweet moments with Deity, and you will more fully sense your divinity. This will add considerably to the spirit of your CHRISTmas.
CHRISTmas can be much more stress free. Hustle and bustle aside, you are invited to shine brightly, rejoice with your community, and spend a few moments (in the words of a dear friend who is a recent convert) of “wonderful Jesus time.”
Unto all the world: CHRISTmas is a wonderful season. Stress aside, we really can more fully partake in the glorious phenomenon!