Believe it or not, for the first time in a few years, I am anticipating the Holidays with a sense of excitement. 

 Now I realize that Pastors are supposed to like the Holidays anyway — after all, we are talking about the birth of the Savior, right?  But it is not always that easy.  The Holidays actually represent a lot of work for me and to be perfectly honest about it, when they come to an end, I am exhausted and glad they are over with. 

 But not this year…I’m ready…and I’m setting up a pre-emptive strike to help me!

 Here’s what I mean by that — I’ve come to the conclusion that there are a few reasons that the holidays zap my energy and drain me emotionally.

 1. I do for the sake of doing…instead of with a purpose in mind.

2. I’m so concerned about the externals that I lose sight of the big picture.

3. There are lots of responsibilities (opportunities?) and the pace can really do me in.

4. Too much of everything…enough said about that!

 All of this leads to the snowball of busyness that gets bigger and bigger and faster and faster and all I want to do is stop the world and hop off.  But I have a plan…a pre-emptive strike against letting the Holidays overwhelm me.  And here it is:

 1. Instead of doing just because I am supposed to, I am picking and choosing my investment level based on an actual purpose.  And for me that looks like this:  Thanksgiving needs to be wrapped around the idea of being eternally grateful.  Instead of the focus being on the food and the football, I’m going to instead focus on what I am truly thankful for and engage with my family deeply…and not just my physical family, but my family in God.  Christmas is going to be a constant mirror of the joyful news that God sent His son to earth to become like one of us.  My focus will be on pointing to the reality that Jesus came to us…Emmanuel…God with us!

 2. The older I get, I just don’t get the warm fuzzies so much.  I can’t manufacture emotion when I watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” like I have in the past.  All the external stuff that goes with Christmas is great and fun and festive but I don’t always “feel it”.  Anyone know what I mean?  So instead, I will do my best to remain focused on the reason for the season – Jesus!  When Jesus is the focus…the spiced cider tastes better, the lights are brighter, the food is richer, the emotions more authentic.  When I have my mind on the big picture…all the little picture stuff actually becomes more enjoyable and enriching, rather than just…well…more!

 3. On a practical level, I am setting my calendar up early and not over doing it.  Instead I am going to make sure that my family comes first and that we have time to just be and not so busy doing all the time.  I hope that makes sense because being able to just be at home, or go shopping together, or out to a movie really is a great time.  And in keeping with the focus theme, I’m looking forward to being with my church family at services like Christmas Eve Candlelight, but also going to enjoy the City together and having a party at our house for everyone and even eating Chili at the 7^th Annual Chili Cook-Off!

 4. I am truly going to do my best to enjoy each bite and maybe even have only a little bit.  Nothing is better than the 1^st bite anyway.  I am going to live by the motto that more is not better…but simply more.  I will cherish each handshake, every church service, each and every party and especially every person.  I will put Jesus in my line of sight in every circumstance and with every person.  I will truly engage with and appreciate the Holidays this year.

5. Lastly, I will do everything I can to serve and give to and love those who are hurting, broken or broke!  What greater way to see the real meaning of the holidays than by caring for those whom Jesus cared about the most.  I pray I will be attentive to the last, the lost, the least!  Christmas is for all…

 That’s my plan…and I’m sticking to it!

 I’d love to hear your thoughts for staying sane this time of year.  Comment below and let me know!