Guess what? If everything isn't done, you can still relax! Sit and read or play a game with your little ones. It's not the pile of gifts that will create the satisfaction in a child - it's the relationship. Laugh and giggle about silly things. Take a walk and breathe in the creation of God. Play in the snow! Surprise a friend with a batch of homemade cookies and invite them to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the lights.

When you're tempted to voice discontent, choose to be thankful instead. Refuse to feel sorry for yourself. Are you alone? Ask God to bring to mind someone else who is alone and invite them to join you for a meal or a trip to the mall.

Perhaps the best way to experience joy is to give joy away. Ask God to show you a way to share His love with someone who needs a special touch from Him. Joy and ministry to others are linked. Joy comes when we know we are serving our Savior by serving others.

Take Time Out to Pray
When Jesus got busy, Jesus slowed down. He deliberately withdrew for a while (Mark 1:37-39). He invites us to come to His fire for refreshment. To stay focused on Christmas, read the Christmas account in the gospels or do a study of the women in the genealogy of Christ. Study the Magnificat, the song that Mary sang in response to Elizabeth's words. Memorize several verses to remind You of God's love and great gift of His Son, Jesus.

The Christmas Cinderella Syndrome
We have a choice this year. Experience genuine anxiety - the inability to cope with stress and miss Christmas altogether. Or when you feel like a Christmas Cinderella and things are getting out of hand, choose to do as this unknown writer expressed:

"I think I'll find a house of God

Unknown

Abundant Riches Newsletter, MARK INC Ministries, Bear, Delaware, Winter 2002.

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