There Are Only 10 More Fridays Until Christmas

That's right.  The holidays are on us.  I know some of you are silently, maybe not so silently, shouting YES!  While others of you are saying, out loud,  "SHUT UP RUSS!"  

For me, Christmas starts around August.  My daughter tries out for the Nutcracker, and I begin to hear the music over and over and over and over and over.  This year she is teaching a few classes for 3 and 4-year-olds.  So Michael Buble Christmas, The Polar Express and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas music are now my new friends.  

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I thought now would be a good time to review my survival guide to the Holidays.  So here goes. 

Have an attitude of gratitude. 

It is better to give than receive. 

Traffic is a test of your patience. 

Amazon is your best friend. 

You don't have to eat everything you see. 

Celebrate the holidays, but don't forget to worship Jesus. 

Invite a lot of somebodies to church. 

Most Christmas music sounds awful, so create your own playlist. 

Hospitality is a gift from God, use it.  But don't demand perfection from yourself.  

Traditions are a beautiful thing if you can remember why you do them.  

Here is a challenge for you this holiday season.  What are you going to do different this year that will make Christmas better for you and/or your family? 

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, Russ has me thinking ahead about the holidays.  What would You like for me to do this year?  AMEN