Malia Russell
The
Organized
Homeschooler
Getting Organized for the Holidays
What began as a simple story in a manger that changed the entire world has now become a season of rush and hurry, hustle and bustle,
and the focus is no longer on the humble
beginnings of a King. In fact, I dare say
my own spiritual life has actually suffered
over the holidays in some past years because I always feel rushed and pressured.
This year, with some advanced planning
and preparing ahead, you and I can enjoy a different kind of holiday. I am not
yet ready to “give up” presents and meals
and traveling to visit relatives. I still like
my Christmas tree and lights, but what if
we could do it differently?
Before the season
begins, take a few
minutes to ponder
what you really love
about Christmas.
Now, more than two thousand years
later, Christmas just does not seem
complete without all the additional
fuss, cookies, gifts, trees, lights, and
shopping. We all know that “Christmas
consumerism” is something we want
to avoid. I grew up in the age of credit
cards. People did not think there was
anything wrong with showering their
children with gifts they could not afford
and then working extra hard through
April to pay off the debt. As a child,
Christmas came to mean a bunch of
food, a mountain of gifts, decorations,
and lots and lots of garbage bags filled
with torn-off wrapping paper, along
with special Christmas foods and gath-
erings of family and friends.
