Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love sneaking down early in the morning and turning the tree lights on so I can gaze at the pretty picture that corner of the room makes.
I love to sit in front of the fire with a novel. I love baking up a storm until the kitchen is a chaotic mess.
Back when I was homeschooled, Christmas began, as far as I was concerned, when December did.
Schoolwork was a lot less stressful then and the wintery wonder of Christmas spirit wasn’t dampened by these odious monsters called Final Exams.
Now that I’m a junior in college, December begins a lot differently at my house. The tree is still there, but I’m not here in the mornings to lay on the couch and feast my eyes upon it.
I may be sitting in front of the fire (if Carolina ever cools off, that is) but it’s probably with homework instead of a book. Baking must wait until the studying is complete.
Despite the first part of December being sectioned off into end-of-the-semester scurrying, there are ways to enjoy the season.
Busyness doesn’t mean we must bypass the joy of the holidays so today I’m sharing my secrets for enjoying a busy Christmas:
Secret #1: Breathe Deep
The days get darker earlier, the Christmas lights come out soon after Thanksgiving, and I’m driving home from work with the perfect opportunity to praise God for the beautiful scenery.
So I take a deep breath and adopt Mary as my example when she “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
Secret #2: Smile Big
Did you know it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown?
The simple act of smiling is guaranteed to make someone else’s day when that grin is directed at them, plus it will make you feel better, too.
Smiling takes a moment and those moments of brightness shared with other people are never wasted.
Secret #3: Give Thanks
Thanksgiving may be past, but the list of things to thank God for stretches way past one November day.
Find the sparkles of sunshine sprinkled throughout the snow or the quiet moments when His whisper of peace arrows straight through the chaotic and crazy to make your heart glow. Then thank Him.
I hope and pray you have a marvelously merry Christmas!
About Rachelle Rea
A homeschool graduate, Rachelle Rea studies Communications at uni, coaches gymnastics at her local YMCA, and teaches kindergarten Sunday school.
She is a graduate of She Speaks and can often be found with a book, a pen, or her fairy-tale-godmother-laptop, Merryweather. Find out what her favorite word is at RachelleRea.com.
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Aww, that was beautiful Rachelle! Ah, my December has been quite crazy filled with a jumble of misc. things that must be done hopefully before next week when my grandmother comes to visit us. So your post was quite timely my dear!
Thank you for these tips. “Thanksgiving may be past, but the list of things to thank God for stretches way past one November day.” – yes, absoolutely! 
Thanks, Rachel! This is definitely one of those preaching to the choir posts of mine.