Christmas Joy

The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.

Joy to the World!! This is the season of joy, isn't it? Maintaining a spirit of joy in crowded shopping malls, however, may be a little impossible. The Christmas season should be one of joy, but take a quick reading on your joy meter and see how joyful you feel rushing about, adding more events to your already crowded daily schedule and worrying if you will ever be able to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Stop and reflect for a minute. What is it that truly brings you joy? Is it the expensive gifts, or is it being with the people you love and care about? Slowing down and sharing a community or family meal, singing familiar carols together, and sharing and listening to each others' stories are the true essence of Christmas joy. We all are each others' gifts. What personal gifts and talents do you have to bring to others? Not all people have the perfect family with the perfect decorations and the perfect gifts. Many folks are hurting from broken relationships, or the loss of a loved one. Others may feel lonely as their loved ones may be far away and not able to join them at this special time. Christmas joy is about the celebration of people. Let us celebrate each others' gifts at this wonderful time and rejoice in our humanity. Let us bring peace, love and joy to those who are waiting for our call. The gift of yourself to others is priceless!

For Parents

The pressure is on. Our children are bombarded with daily advertisements of the latest, coolest toy and electronic games. It is difficult to hold the line when you are faced with such enticing and appealing ads. Buying what you can afford and what you feel your children will benefit from the most must be your priority. Remember that a child's love for you is not dependent on the size of your store bought gift, but on the quality of your relationship.

Recommended reading:
What Kids Really Want for the Holidays
In Joy,
Barb