Do you remember when you were a kid waking up on Christmas morning? Holy COW was that exciting! Magic just happened, presents just appeared, and no matter where you were or what your story was at that time, maybe you were lucky enough to have a smile both on your face and in your heart. The smell of yummy breakfast and some Christmas songs playing as you tore into the colorful big package in the corner? The fireplace was real, not just a click of a button, and it crackled and popped as the dog enjoyed lying in front of it completely unamused by all the hub-bub? YES!

One of the most interesting questions this time of year is, ”Are you ready for Christmas?” Who wouldn’t be ready for  that magical morning miracle!? I am ALWAYS ready to receive the message, the meaning, the whole spiritual part of it all. Is that what those folks asking the question REALLY mean?!

Or do they mean: Is your gift list done, your menu set, your decorations up, your cards written, your plans made etc?

Yikes! Heck no! Who started that whole card, picture perfect, no hand-written-note thing anyway?! The things I made my 3 children do to be the next Anne Geddes!! But I always wrote from my heart inside the card to each and every recipient. Whoa, some late nights back then!

Okay so here is a secret: you are already ready for Christmas. Isn’t that a huge relief!? Each of us born into this beautiful life are already a gift! And life is a gift for us, thank God. Honestly, each DAY is Christmas! Wow that’s even more exciting!

However, if you get caught up in the got-to-get, got-to-do, got-to-have thoughts, then the following  advice will help get you back on track:

1. Think about someone in a less fortunate life-no home, no money, no loved ones.
2. Think about your ancestors, just a hundred years ago-no electricity, no cars.
3. Think about life without you having been born. The love you can give to lift another.

All of the To-Do’s take on a whole new feeling having done the above exercise. Trust me when I tell you, all that matters will get done someway somehow with faith and trust. If it doesn’t, guess what? It wasn’t meant to be. If we can live life as if Christmas is every day and learn not how to get, but to give, we would be like a child full of awe and wonder; yet be wise in our years and give our love away. That is the meaning of Christmas! It is a wonder-FULL life! Go enjoy this magical season!

xo