How to Make Your Christmas Merry!

My mother and mother-in-law both loved Christmas.  They loved decorating, baking, serving and celebrating.  I am following in their footsteps and Christmas is my favorite time of year.  But I know that not everyone feels that way.  Christmas can be stressful and exhausting.  In fact, a friend of mine recently confessed in Relief Society that she has always hated Christmas.  I often hear women bemoan all the things they "have to do" at Christmas time. It makes me sad that the season to celebrate Christ's birthday makes so many of us want to throw in the towel.

So here is my secret for making Christmas "the most wonderful time of the year."  Are you ready? Here it is:

Do the things you love, and eliminate (or drastically reduce) the rest.  

If (like me) you love writing a family newsletter and sending Christmas cards to everyone you've ever known, then do it!  But if you shudder at the thought of signing, stamping, licking and addressing, move on and don't feel guilty!  Sure, you may decide to send a card to your grandma, but don't worry about sending cards out, even to the people who send you one every year.  Work together with your family to make space for your cherished traditions, but don't feel pressured to stay up all night making gifts for everyone in your neighborhood! Learn to say no and don't make anything more complicated than it needs to be.  For most of us, Christmas is a lot of work.  Just make sure you're doing the work that brings you peace and joy.  That's what Christmas is all about!

If you love decorating the tree in heels, go for it!

May you feel's the Savior's peace and joy this Christmas!