It's the most wonderful time of the year...right?

We've been really busy doing all sorts of things preparing for Christmas. The decorating is done, the shopping is almost done, Santa pictures have been taken, and we've even done a little baking. Then I think about all that still needs to be taken care of...wrapping, wrapping, & more wrapping, more baking, Christmas cards, & preparing the menu for Christmas day. Some days when I'm running around with multiple lists, receipts pouring out of my purse, and feeling stressed because I only have 20 minutes until preschool pick up to run into one more store, I think..."Where is the joy in all this?" Then I have my moments where I'm I'm able to slow down, reflect, and enjoy. I'm always teaching the girls about the true meaning of Christmas. We sing songs, read scripture & devotions, & stories that remind us of our reason to celebrate, but as an adult, it's SO easy to get 'wrapped up' in the wrong things. Every year I tell myself, I'm going to get all of the not so fun stuff early this year so I can enjoy, but it never happens! I had some things done before Thanksgiving this year, but there was so much more to do. The funny thing is, as I write this I can hear Danny's voice in the back of my head..."You put a lot of stress on yourself." Yes, I do. I want to take the kids to the Nutcraker ballet, I want to have an ornament party, I want to make gingerbread houses, bake cookies, string popcorn, visit a live nativity, do the elf on the shelf, do our family advent calendar, plan fun crafts, watch Christmas movies as a family, etc, etc! I definitely enjoy those things, but in combination with normal everyday life and the added Christmas stresses, my head is sometimes left spinning. At church a few weeks ago, someone sang the song, " I Need a Silent Night." I think that was sung for me.

I Need A Silent Night
By Amy Grant
I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rushIt breaks me till I push and shove
Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?
I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?
Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace
I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?
Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraidAnd the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace
I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night