"Prepare Him Room"

I hope you will visit the page I created to stay focused on a Joyful Holiday (even when life is far from perfect!)

I know many people (and all the stores) already have their Christmas decor out in force and are fully into the holiday mode.  I love this season.  But our home isn't there yet, and we will gradually put out the decorations as our schedules and energy levels allow.  The first thing I have to do, it clear out spaces previously filled with harvest decor and make space for our holiday gear.  It's certainly going to be a full and busy season.  Time is even more scarce when children move between homes, so I treasure what we have.

Even as the mantle and the home are prepared for the holiday, I want to prepare my heart.  Some questions I use, and you may want ask yourself this year:

- Is there room in my day for Christ to change my schedule?
- Will my attitude be frantic or settled?  
- What can I do to foster peace?
- How may I shift my focus to gratitude, even when there are painful times?
- Am I creating expectations that will lead to disappointment?
- What will be my measure of a 'good' holiday?

There is no end to the options of festive events, cute crafts and traditions that will compete for our attention. I will have to choose what gets my favor, I will have to be intentional with my Christmas.  Let's view this not as a limitation, but as a gift to select what matters over the noise.  I will have the courage to say no to budget busters and energy drains.

Most importantly, I'm making room for the true reason we celebrate.  Sometimes I seek the spectacular, but where I'm most moved is in the simple and the lovely.  Listen to the words of the carols, they are glorious.  Read with a child.  Show up for the chaotic school event.  Give with meaning.  Capture the memories.  Let Christ flow through each interaction and trust this season will hold gifts we didn't even know we wanted. It's time for a new standard.

What are ways you are preparing room for the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and home?  I'd love to hear!