My 2 Cents about Christmas

If you're a Christian, then you know all about Jesus having to share his birthday with Santa. I'm sure some of you will disagree with me, but I think there is room for both. At my mother's church this past Sunday, we learned the condensed version of the history of Christmas. Christians didn't start celebrating His birth until 320AD. And the date, December 25th, was chosen to coincide with other pagan celebrations. The Bible actually makes no reference to the importance of celebrating Jesus' birth. (I wonder why that is) But the Bible does continually express God's desire for us to exalt and worship Him always. This is what I do every day.
I grew up learning about Jesus and also knowing the excitement and anticipation of Santa's arrival. My Sunday School teacher made an exclamation the other day about how cool it is that there is so much "advertising for Jesus" with all the decorations and sales and Santa. Isn't that a good way to look at it?
That's it for a few days. I'll be celebrating. I'll be loving on my family. Remembering the past. Watching my loved ones open presents. Opening some of my own. And also, wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday.
Merry Christmas to you all.

Final Word on Christmas Cards

Thanks to my blogging friends' comments, I finished addressing and mailing my Christmas Cards. And I did it with a thankful and joyous heart! I kept my list small, mostly just going to family and friends out of town. I won't feel guilty if I missed someone, because most of my friends don't expect me to be perfect and hopefully I'm able to show those around me that I care in other ways. At times, I get into this "why me" ridiculous pity party over things that don't matter at all. The holiday season is stressful for most and with the cards, I was trying to find legitimate reasons to put off the work. I vow to never again obsess over this trivial task.
Thanks again to my buddies. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling that the comments left on my last post were heartfelt and encouraging. (God's love shines through all of you)
Now, I'm off to the store, gifts to wrap, house to straighten up, party to attend this evening!

Christmas Card Chaos

I'm looking for some discussion here. This is something I've always struggled with...
To send Christmas cards or not to send Christmas cards? That is the question.
Greeting cards are one of my biggest pet peeves. Basically, you're paying someone else to write a sentiment for you. Where's the heart in that? Will the recipients be happy that I spent that 2.5 minutes signing, addressing, and stamping a card for them? Come on, if we take the time to do this, shouldn't we at least be writing our own sentiment? And what about those millions of family picture holiday cards? They're pre-printed, just stick on a stamp and your done. So, that is where I'm coming from. On the other hand, I love getting all the cards, sentiment or no sentiment. Of course, the personal messages are so nice! Anyway, here's what I go through...

Every year by Dec. 1st., I receive my first Christmas card in the mail. This is when the trouble starts. I usually spend the next few days trying to decide if I should add that to my list of things to do during the holiday season. "Maybe I'll skip this year, I'm so busy, friends and family probably won't even notice."
My final decision is..."If I can get to it, then that's great, but if I don't, I won't stress about it. I'll just be sure to call everyone I know and wish them a Happy New Year personally." Yeah, Right! So, I start my Christmas decorating, shopping, event planning etc. and then all of the sudden, around Dec. 12th, I'm getting tons of cards in the mail. Guilt starts to set in and I am overtaken. At that very moment, I run up to the attic to look for leftover cards from years past, I get out my list and start to work. And I will make each of these 325 plus cards personal. My mind is reeling, because I know I don't have enough cards and I'll have to buy more stamps. This is when I go through my list and try to decide who might I be able to leave off this year. Yes, I really consider this! That's hopeless, because the very next day, guess what...I get a card from a person I've left off the list. Next is the mad dash to the store to buy more cards. I'm up until 1am, eyes burning, fingers cramping trying to make as much progress as I can.
The clock is ticking. Will these cards make it to the post office in time?
You see the torture I put myself through? Why can't I just get started in November like all the other organized Mommies?

Now go ahead, tell me what you think. Shame on me? Let it slide, Leah? Get your act together silly sparrow? Why worry? Join the club?