Beating the Christmas Cinderella Syndrome – One Day at a Time!...Continued from page 1

Don't make the same mistake. Be realistic about how much you can do in one day and plan for delays and unexpected interruptions (traffic jams, a sick child, a flat tire, a cashier who doesn't know what he is doing, long lines). Ask your family members what they like about Christmas - what are "non-negotiable" traditions. You might be surprised to learn that what you think absolutely must be done, no one else really cares about! Make lists of every job - even the smallest - and prioritize tasks. As Christmas grows closer remember the reasons for the season and be willing to cross off your list some of the unfinished tasks. Enlist your children. Tell them ahead of time what your expectations are and assign specific responsibilities appropriate for their age. Even little ones can fold napkins or empty trash cans!

If you are unwilling to share the work load, check out your motives.

Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations
Too often we allow the media to define the perfect Christmas. Such a perfect season is incomplete without softly falling snow, piles of packages, food beyond our ability to consume, free flowing liquor, and a table surrounded by happy, happy people. Jesus is absent from this picture of warmth and "love". Or we have a special childhood Christmas memory with which we compare every other Christmas. For some, Christmas memories are painful and they are determined that their children will experience Christmas in a way they never did. Or they try to ignore Christmas altogether. Unrealistic expectations lead to major disappointments. The brother who makes fun of your gifts, the critic who has a better way to do everything ("Why are you mashing the potatoes THAT way?"), the alcoholic mother who always shows up drunk, disrespectful children or adult children who don't get along. They aren't going to change so that you can have a perfect day! Change the things you can, accept the things you can't. Remember the reason for the season. Expect people to act as they always do! The presence of Jesus in the hearts of His children equips us to reflect His love and compassion when others disappoint us. Spend extra time with Him when you know you will be around people who are difficult. Ask Him to help you be a picture of His peace. Memorize specific scripture and ask Him to remind you of it when you are tempted to forget the "reason for the season".

Intentionally Extend God's Compassion
Ask God who He wants you to touch with His love. Perhaps this is the year to plan a neighborhood Christmas celebration where you serve light refreshments and have a friend share a brief testimony of God's transforming love.

Take Time to Play!
Ask yourself, "Am I fun to live with?" Would you want to spend time with you? Are you reflecting the love of Christ in the dailiness of life? Are you nice to the clerk who is slower than molasses going up a hill in the winter and you are in a hurry? If not, ask the Lord to extend your sense of humor and to help you enjoy even the most mundane tasks. Make a private game out of surprising store clerks with a nice hello or heart felt thank you.

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