Prepare Early

The other night I attended a meeting for the women of my church where we talk about all things gospel related and especially how it pertains to the home, family, children and personal enrichment.

The subject: Preparing for Christmas. 

I was excited to see that I wasn't the only one thinking about Christmas even before Halloween:) But as they shared, if you want to have a fabulous Christmas you have to prepare early. How true it is. There would be no point in this revolution if I had waited until Christmas Eve, right? I have the time now to prepare some great things to do with my family.

Well, I really appreciate meetings like this because it gives me the chance to learn a few things and hear what experiences and thoughts others have to share. I especially love hearing the older grandmas and their perspective on things... being only 30 something myself;)

The first speaker shared ways to better serve in the community during the holidays. She even had a whole book compiled of places to serve... I need that book! All the ideas sounded wonderful and I am excited to plan a few small service projects that I can do with my boys:) And it does take some prep work to map out the things you want to do and to be able to go at the right time. I'm sure spontaneous acts of kindness are always in season too! But this definitely got me thinking about what special things we could do this year!

Then the next speaker began... Who is ready for Christmas? My hand went up instantly and so did a few others. Everyone else in the room just shook their head or stayed quiet.

I don't know about everyone else there, but I AM READY for all the family fun, good feelings and the food :) I may not have all the presents bought, labeled and wrapped—actually I haven't bought or made a single one—but I sure am ready for this season! I just can't wait! It really is the most wonderful time of the year! Especially if we don't get ourselves stressed out on the gifts and crazy traditions that can run us ragged. There are lot of great traditions out there and good ways to spend money, but don't let those things make you lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

We can and really should prepare for Christmas. The girl who spoke at that meeting talked of making budgets and lists and such that can help us prepare. There was a lot of good information. Even if you are choosing to simplify your Christmas and presents there are still things to save up for and consider. So if you'd like here is a link to her blog with all the info and spread sheets she shared. If for nothing else, read the poem she has on there, "Funny Mother." It's the best:) But there is one thing she missed (or maybe I missed it while I was tending to my baby during the meeting;) and maybe it is because it goes without saying, but the most important thing we can prepare is our hearts for the Lord.

If we were there in Bethlehem, and Mary and Joseph knocked on our door would we have had room for them? I am sure that all of us would have made room and invited Mary and Joseph in. And we would have tended to them above all else for sure, right? Well, we still can this Christmas:) So, prepare {your hearts} early to receive your Lord and Savior! This is what matters most:)

So let me ask: Are you ready for Christmas?

God Bless and (almost) Merry Christmas:)