Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I have to admit that this past year has been a struggle. So it came as no surprise to me that preparing for Christmas this year has been a real struggle too.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Christmas! It’s just the busy work associated with it that I struggle with. In a normal year, with a little skillful planning and organization I am able to accomplish all of the tasks associated with Christmas. However, this year was not normal. This year things have been so chaotic that even the best planning has not been enough.

The main problem that I have, is that all of this rushing around detracts from the real meaning of the season. I get so overwhelmed and exhausted that I have a difficult time focusing on what it is that I am celebrating.

As I was pondering my dilemma I read this quote by Thomas S. Monson: “Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts. We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season.”

I realize that it’s not practical or even desirable to avoid all of the rushing around at Christmas. However, I believe that with better planning, an earlier start and Heavenly Father’s help, I can create a Christmas season with more quiet time and more time to focus on my Savior.

So in the future, I will make a greater effort to focus on the Savior. I will try to plan more and rush less. As I shop for and purchase gifts for my loved ones, I will remember the great gift of love that my Heavenly Father gave to me on the very first Christmas. I will remember my Savior, His life and His example. I will remember Him and I will try to be more like Him, on Christmas day and every day.

Sincerely,

Sandra