It's mid-November, and I can already feel the stress rising as December approaches. There is so much to do - shopping, decorating, baking, Christmas cards, parties.....
Do you long for a better December?
The past several years, I have really struggled with Christmas. Not what it means - I'm very clear on that. But I struggle with the overcommercialization of Christmas. We have taken this sacred holy day and turned it into an over spending, list making, stress filled month of chaos. And, honestly, I'm rather weary of it. I want our celebration of Christmas to be different. I don't want it to be about making lists, I want it to be about remembering why it's one of the most meaningful days of the year to begin with. I don't want to get caught up in all the "extras" - I want to focus on Jesus.
But is it too late? My older kids have already experienced many Christmases where, I am really embarrassed to say, we went overboard. So now they have come to expect something that I don't want to continue doing. I don't want my kids to remember things at Christmas; I want them to remember Jesus.
I received this book in the mail last week.
A Better December by Steven Estes is a gem. I know I'm going to like a book when I chuckle on the first page. It says "The longer I live, the more I like short books. Here's one."
This is a cute little square book (I'm such a sucker for cuteness!) and it is an easy read. Once I started reading it, I had trouble putting it down. The author goes through the book of Proverbs as it relates to the Christmas season, and dissects what each verse means a bit more. It is funny, honest, and downright convicting. It made me laugh, cry, and ponder new traditions for our Christmas season. I especially loved the section entitled "January" at the end that gives ideas and recommendations for the month after Christmas. Perfect.
This book would make a perfect gift for a neighbor, family member, or friend that is longing to have a better December, or maybe you know someone who doesn't even know what Christmas is all about. It would be wonderful for them.
You can see more about it and read reviews here:
Also, New Growth Press has graciously offered to give a FREE COPY to one of my readers! If you would like a chance to win a copy, please just leave your name and email by Friday, November 22. I will post the winner here and contact you. (Offer is only valid for US and Canada residents.)
I think your December will be really blessed by this book.
I would love to hear your thoughts on how your family is focusing on Jesus this Christmas!
I would love to get my hands on this book!
Posted by: Melissa Jones | November 18, 2013 at 12:12 PM
What a sweet sounding book!
Posted by: Suzy | November 18, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Several years ago, we were introduced to the idea of a Jesse Tree in Noel Piper's book on family traditions. We find this to be a wonderful tool in engaging our hearts and minds in the wonder and anticipation of our Savior's Birth.
We also like to keep things simple. We try to make our own gifts and start early so that it's not overwhelming closer to Christmas. We plan our gatherings so we still have time to be still and reflect. And, we stay home on Christmas day. We welcome visitors (and usually get at least one), but we enjoy sharing that time together as a family, without having to rush out the door.
These little details have helped us focus on Jesus. We find that our hearts are filled with more joy and room for him, as opposed to wanting more of other things.
Thanks for the opportunity to share in this lovely book. I know just who I'd share it with!
Posted by: Jocelyn | November 18, 2013 at 01:37 PM
Oh that sounds like a great book! I've struggled with this same issue for the last several years--going back and forth in my head--of course the kids are excited to get presents--they are kids. But can I get them just as excited, if not more, about GIVING? I think now that my boys are old enough, I would like to try the whole RACK thing and see how it goes. It will certainly keep me on my toes to have something planned for everyday. Thanks for posting this now, so I could have time to get a game plan together before December arrives!
Posted by: Brandi Magee | November 19, 2013 at 12:32 AM
I will second what Jocelyn said about the Jesse Tree. We have done it the past two years (very simple version), and we will continue forever. It is such a great way to stay "grounded" at Christmas and keep the focus where it is supposed to be. That's not to say that my kiddos don't get the "I wants" in December, but we have a good way to refocus and keep our eyes on Jesus.
Thanks for the chance to receive the book. Hope your family has a blessed Thanksgiving and start to the Christmas season!!
Posted by: Amber | November 19, 2013 at 07:16 PM
Hey, again, Megan. I don't know if you keep up with Ann Voskamp's blog, but I believe you will enjoy her latest post. :) http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/11/when-youre-tired-and-ready-for-a-christmas-revolution-upsidedownchristmas/
Also, do you receive the World Vision or Compassion giving catalogs? They are a GREAT place to start when talking to your children about how it's TRULY better to give than to receive.
Posted by: Amber | November 19, 2013 at 09:29 PM
Thanks for the review and giveaway. Your desire to focus on Jesus at Christmas echoes my heart's desire and as Thanksgiving approaches I have felt more and more that I want to get away from the commercialism. Some things that we have done through the years to focus on Jesus: no Santa, Jesse Tree lessons with a carol from the hymnal at the start of our homeschool day (we use the Voskamp's Cradle to the Cross wreath candle lighting as part of this), Adornaments (names of God ornaments from Family Life) with Derek in the evenings. In the past we have memorized Luke 2:1-20 as a family, one verse a night. Some years rather than circling gifts in a toy catalog we have had our girls circle from missions giving catalogs like Amber mentioned to be given in their name. Samaritan's Purse has one also. Other years we have surprised them with a gift in their honor as their gift tucked inside their stocking. Packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and other missions and giving opportunities the kids can help participate in. We have invited friends over for a "What God Wants for Christmas?" party with the boxes from Family Life with the scavenger hunt clues. Derek and I have overdone gifts for them in the past and now try to give something that is more of a family gift or something the girls will share rather than so many individual gifts because they receive too much from grandparents and extended family already. Then we give more individual gifts at birthdays. But it is so hard to take the focus off of receiving gifts and put it on the greatest gift of all, Jesus!
Posted by: Renee | November 20, 2013 at 09:53 AM
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the review.
Posted by: Kendal Barriere | November 20, 2013 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for reminding me that I need to order this book...that is unless I win it. :)
Posted by: Emilee Stanley | November 20, 2013 at 11:36 AM
All three of my boys have birthdays in Mid-December. So, I find myself secretly dreading December and all its chaos. :( By the time the birthdays are over it's the 23rd. I will have to check out this book. Thanks!
Posted by: Suzanne McNeil | November 20, 2013 at 02:34 PM