Do you ever feel overwhelmed at Christmas?  Are you pouring over the Christmas shopping list, scheduling parties, preparing for guests or making travel arrangements, writing and mailing Christmas cards? 

Every year, I resolve to start early!  Between now and News Year’s Day, many of us are caught up in the holiday frenzy. This year my goal is to simplify my self-imposed trappings!

Many of us are cutting back this Christmas due to the economy.  According to the Conference Board, $390 is the average amount U.S. households expect to spend on Christmas gifts this year, down from $418 in 2008.  Twenty-two percent plan to spend less than $100. Seven million people have lost jobs since the beginning of the recession.

A colleague remarked the other day that it just doesn’t “feel” like Christmas.  I began to reflect on her remark.  I started to think about what Christmas means to me. I could add more to this list, but to offer a few personal joys in celebrating Christmas, such as:

• Giving gifts to my husband, the grandchildren and dear friends; 
• Hearing Handel’s Messiah and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and singing Christmas carols;
• Seeing the Christmas lights in windows and wreaths on doors;
• Spending the holidays with family and friends;
• Reading the Christmas story of the birth of Christ.

But what can I do to simply my self-imposed trappings and embrace the spirit of Christmas?  Here are some of my thoughts:

• Instead of sending out cards, I can call some dear friends on my list and wish them a merry Christmas. Hearing a friend’s voice on the phone is always heartwarming.
• I can offer a smile and a pleasant greeting to those people who assist me all the time, such as at the bank, grocery store, and drycleaners. 
• I can be more patient when inconvenienced, especially at the post office. Sometimes, I’m in such a rush to complete errands.

Working with The Salvation Army, especially during the holidays, is very fulfilling.  No matter what’s going on in the world or the state of our economy, The Salvation continues to provide for people in need year round. 

The Salvation Army offers many opportunities to celebrate the holiday season by thinking and doing for others:

• Volunteer at a Salvation Army red kettle;
• Gather friends together to serve meals at your local Salvation Army unit;
• Host your own online Red Kettle.

My shopping list is shorter; I’m not sending out as many cards; I’ve hung the wreath on the door; my Christmas tree is smaller.  I feel better by getting back to the true meaning of Christmas. 

Please share your thoughts about your Christmas journey this year.