Ahhh, Christmas.

Christmas should be a wonderful, joyous time of year where we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. But for many it's not, the happiness is sucked out it. For me, busyness and illness/ injury have been stealing my joy. A couple of weeks ago I injured my neck which left me in agony and unable to move. I have recovered (not fully though) but I'm 2 weeks behind on everything. I've done very little Christmas shopping, no tree yet or decorations and I'm swamped with Christmas parties and end of year events.

I don't know what it's like in other parts of the world but here in Australia it is so hectic. Many companies close around Christmas, my husband's work will be closed from Christmas Eve until after New Year's and all children finish school for Summer Holidays. This week is my children's last week at school, so every class is having a party and concert, then we've got the school awards night and my husband's work dinner. It might not seem that big of a deal but the cooking (every child needs to bring food to the parties), planning, driving on top of all of my normal activities with an injury and now a cold have left me exhausted, slightly depressed and feeling a bit of a failure!

The problem is most of the stress and activity is self inflicted! I could buy food for the parties instead of making it, I could say no and not go to so many events, I could even choose not to decorate my house, everything would still be okay. My children would still have fun, my husband would still love me, the police do not arrest for offences such as these! We are not all Martha Stewart, and that is OKAY. Our own expectations can be the chains that bind us too tight at this time of year. Maybe it's time to let them go, simplify, it will all be fine and if you've let it go, I mean really go and you know it's okay to do less, you should be less stressed and have fun too.

How can you help a friend going through it like me? Watch your words, don't talk too much about having all your shopping done & wrapped beneath the tree (it can make others feel like there's something wrong with them because they don't). Offer to babysit while she gets some stuff done, take them a meal (it's amazing how much time gets freed up not having to plan & cook a meal). Offer to do her hair, make-up or nails before a Christmas party. Help wrap presents, ask what gifts they're looking for and see if you can find it at shops (an angel of a friend remembered something I was looking for, for my daughter and when she saw it in a catalogue, she let me know so I could go get it instead of going all over to find it). The little things make a huge difference to a stressed friend.

Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother (sister) is born for adversity." One of the best gifts anyone can ever receive is a great friend. Many people are going through financial hardships, marriage break-ups, health problems. Christmas can be a lonely time due to family problems, living in different states or countries. If you know anyone in these situations, reach out and be there for them. You may have the opportunity to change someone's life by a small act of kindness.
To finish is something sent to my friend who is packing to move interstate just after Christmas, a huge job to be doing with 3 young sons and close to Christmas.

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush;
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity;
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all importance, will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
For I shall walk in the peace of my Lord, and dwell in His house for ever.

Amen, have a great day.