Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas Joy!
““And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.””
I don’t think I ever saw the original “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” when I was a kid or even read the Dr. Seuss book. My husband took our girls to see “The Grinch” with Jim Carrey when it first came out. The girls came home and told me that their daddy cried! They just loved that! Of course, he totally denied it…he had something in his eye!
I’m a pianist for 5 school choirs in my area and December is always a hectic time for their Winter Concerts. There is learning the music, figuring out rehearsals schedules and trying to juggle all my other activities as well.
Unfortunately for me, the Grinch is alive and well and he has stolen my Christmas joy.
I think also, for me, Christmas is a big let down. You spend so much time decorating, picking out the perfect gift, wrapping presents, holiday baking, etc. and then when Christmas day comes, it seems like it’s over in an instant. Everyone goes home and you are left to clean everything up.
I know…I know! I’m a Grinch!
This year I told myself that I wasn’t going to be that way! Then it happened…I let the Grinch take away all my Christmas joy and peace!
Another reason I let the Grinch steal my joy is “I’m a procrastinator”. I’ll admit it! (Is there a therapy group for Procrastination like AA?)
I wait until the last minute to do things and then, I’m frantically trying to get everything done and it just seems impossible.
I had 8 School Concerts that I played for this season and 3 Craft Shows that I participated in. If I had been wise, I would have planned everything and made sure that I wasn’t waiting until the last minute to practice the piano, make the crafts that needed to be made, cleaning house, meal planning, etc. You know like start “Christmas in July”....well, I started in November!
I always say “next year is going to be different” but it never is! So, I’m making a commitment to not let the Grinch steal my Christmas joy and peace in 2024.
My Christmas Resolution!
Next year, I’m going to PREPARE, so that even though things get hectic and seem out of control, I’m not going to let it steal my joy.
Plan out my week on Sunday. Make a block schedule and stick to it.
Read the Word of God everyday and spend time in His presence. Also, during the month of December, I’m going to read a chapter of Luke each day. There are 24 chapters so I’ll finish on Christmas Eve.
Eat healthy and Exercise.
Play: Not just with my family, friends and grandkids but also allowing myself to play creatively.
Authentic: I want to find my unique style and be true to that. I don’t want to be like someone else on Facebook or YouTube just because they have a bazillion followers.
Rest: I want to schedule my day with work so that in the evenings, I have time to rest and enjoy spending time with my husband.
Encourage others along their spiritual and creative journey.
“There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. ”
I want to be like the shepherds and not be so busy with my job that I miss out on the greatest gift of all - the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I pray that you, your family and friends have a wonderful Christmas season filled with making lots of memories together.
Be sure and…
Learn to set boundaries.
Try not to get overloaded with all the things that you think need to get done.
PREPARE yourself for the holiday season early so that the Grinch doesn’t come and steal your Christmas Joy!