Your Christmas joy will skyrocket if you do this

It’s two weeks before Christmas and all through the house, the to do list is burgeoning.

There are parties to attend,

gifts to purchase and wrap,

goodies to make, and

school programs to applaud.

Not to mention church services,

special dinners with friends,

and neighborhood get-togethers.

Who has time to sleep?

Well, this Christmas season, maybe it’s time to stop, drop, and roll.

STOP the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

If your calendar looks like the LA airport traffic controller’s radar, it’s time to stop the pace. Look at the remaining days before Christmas—there aren’t many—and remove anything that doesn’t absolutely thrill you. FOMO will rob you of the joy of celebrating Christ’s birth with the people you love. What can you do between today and Christmas Eve that will create wonder, joy, and peace in your heart and home this Christmas? Remove everything else.

DROP the social media.

One of the fastest ways to increase your discontent this Christmas, is to read all the posts about the wonderful life everyone is enjoying. Yada Yada Yada. But, as well all know, what you and I post online isn’t usually normal life. It’s the best in our life. This Christmas, put your phone aside, shut down Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and other social media sites, and even turn off your computer. Spend face to face time with your friends and family. Discover something new with the people you love. Why not give yourself permission to take a break from social media and focus on remembering the whole reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place—Jesus, our Savior’s birthday.

ROLL away the self-imposed expectations.

It’s 11 days until Christmas. You’ve made your list and checked a zillion times. Have you completed that which is most important? If not, what is hacking your time? Today, roll away those things you “have” to do, to accomplish that which will bring you the most joy. I guarantee that at least a couple things on your to-do list will not be missed — by anyone other than you — if you don’t accomplish them. Focus on that which brings joy-filled meaning to your Christmas and cross everything else off. Don’t you feel lighter already?