Focus on the things that you have this holiday season, not what you don't

Tweet

Many people are stressed and upset this time of year, with the holiday shopping season just 7 days away. Manufacturers and businesses both large and small are worried. Families, especially parents are worried. The businesses are worried that they will not profit on "the most wonderful time of the year" and individuals are concerned that they can't go all out for the holidays as they have in years past that were more prosperous. Instead of allowing it to stress you out, try to focus on the things that you do have, both spiritual and physical. If you and your family have managed to keep your own roof over your heads, that is something to be grateful for. If you and your spouse have retained your jobs this year, that is something to be grateful for as well. If you can afford to buy presents, decorations, and a Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings, give thanks to God that you can. Try to impress upon your kids, if you have them, that this time of year is about family, love, and celebration of the birth of Christ, an infant whom when he was born had next to nothing yet he owned the world and all that was in it at the same time. Celebrate the love of God to send Jesus to teach and save us all, not the number of presents under the tree. Drink cocoa, string popcorn for the tree, budget your money (what little you may have) as wisely as you can and try not to focus on what you haven't got or what you wish you had, and instead find in your heart an attitude of gratitude that you and your family have thus far weathered the storm, give thanks for your family and friends and all the things that we all too often have taken for granted in the past.