One of my favorite games is Sniglets. It is a favorite because I think I have mastered the use of words that don’t actually mean anything and likely not found in the dictionary. My grandkids can attest to this. I tend to make up words on the fly, and they seem to make sense in every context. It’s probably why I have so much trouble with English and grammar. I tend to break the rules of good communication.
So what am I writing about?
It seems to me that in the busyness and rush of this holiday season, we don’t go deep enough to appreciate the importance of this time of year. Certainly, we gather with family more often than any other time of the year yet, we seem to miss the importance and the value of family and, for that matter, friends.
Stress seems to be at its highest peak during this time of year. It also puts a strain upon our bank account and us at its highest threat this time of year. It seems as though we are in a hurry to nowhere, but we say happy holiday while forcing a grim. We fake emotions a lot.
So you are now getting the picture of what I’m calling us to. I believe that we should be clear while presenting purpose in the most wonderful time of the year.
Very few people rush past the nursery because babies are a reminder of how precious life truly is. Though we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, we have chosen to celebrate it at this time of year. Christians around the world will gather in worship of the Christ child. Far too many will pretend that He is still a baby never letting him truly develop our understanding of Christ, as Savior.
Going back to the basics is what I’m calling us to. As you look at your list of things to do, is it possible that you could whittle your list down to your top three or four priorities? Maybe even just categorizing them in three or four clusters. That certainly would be an improvement since it would give more focus to the objectives rather than being confused with all of the details.
Every Christmas story seems to be a race against time in a reminder to put the important things first.
So here’s your assignment. Consider the following so that you can focus on the right things this year.
Instead of making a list of all the things you have to do, prioritize, the top three things that you should say no to in order to enjoy and appreciate the important things in life
Make a list of some of your favorite movies and take time to enjoy them this year.
Instead of gifts for everyone, be creative and give something for others in-need. Maybe ask everyone to contribute to your gift by giving to those that are in-need and make that their Christmas gift too because we all know, we don’t need more stuff.
This year we’re having an open house with cookies and other fun snacks. We’re asking people to come with a few items that could be given to police officers like hand warmers, lip balm, beef, jerky, and other items that would keep them warm while working in the snow during their shift as first responders.
Don’t rush into the New Year without also considering that one word that God would give you. Maybe it’s a word from the scripture that would help guide you in 2026.
For me, the last three or four years, I have chosen a word that has been a guiding concept or principle throughout the year. I don’t like resolutions because they are usually short-lived and it feels like you are breaking a promise, not only to yourself, but to others. However, a word that is a guiding concept throughout your year will be an anchor to bring you back into focus as to what’s essential in your life.
