1. Jesus is the reason for the season. “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus.” – Neal A. Maxwell. I decide if there’s room for Him in the kitchen when the gravy boils over, at the sewing machine, at the mall waiting in lineups, during a strained dinnertime hour, at bedtime when I’m tucking the last child into bed.

2. Consciously notice and share gratitude for what IS (instead of discouragement or despair over what is not.)

3. Gently and consistently replace I have nots with I haves, speak kind words to myself and walk in grace.

4. Most people would benefit from simpler holiday fare.

5. Meaningful friendships are not based solely on the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts, cards or letters.

6. Christmas decor and activities should reflect my beliefs about Christmas. (If I worry that a lack of carefully coordinated holiday decor will send the wrong message to friends or family, my beliefs may well be misplaced.)

7. The acquiring of new clothing for the Christmas season should be primarily out of need and not solely a reason to indulge in credit card debt or for strictly ornamental purposes.

8. Gift giving should reflect our heart and not merely our budget. It should, however, also evidence wise financial stewardship and promote good mental health (as in, not staying up till all hours of the night for weeks while I craft things, or hitting the malls with tired children in tow more often than necessary!) Yes, easier said than done! 🙂

9. Choose gifts of peace and love when ever possible. Especially at home during Christmas preparations.

10. Maintain an air of joyful expectancy… As in, something will probably not go just like I planned but I’m excited to see how the Lord will work it out for me and meanwhile I’ll make the best of this situation.

What would you add to this list?