Christmas is coming . . .

Christmas is approaching quickly (well in 26 says not that I'm counting or anything!) and believe me my family is already a riot! Lets see at a glance: Mum is already panicking about christmas day (we're having her youngest brother and his family over for dinner and possibly her 2nd youngest brother too her older brother isn't coming up this year which is kinda sad) and getting presents for all my cousins (she only has 4 left to go now so she can't really stress now). Dad is stressing about the christmas day service and the christmas carol service (as he puts so much to do so little time!). My sisters are just looking forward to christmas day, and me well I am the one in charge of getting the tree assembled and digging out the decorations (they live in the shed and are kinda hard to get to as you have to dodge a bale of hay and a whole lot of other stuff) I am also helping mum with all the other stuff!

The fact is Christmas can be a stressful time of year and for my family very stressful and we often loose sight of the real meaning, the birth of Jesus!
But here are some tips to stay sane and not loose sight of the real meaning!

• Write a list of what you need to do, presents to buy, people to call. Hey Santa does it so what do you have to loose?
• If your hosting a lunch or dinner ask your guests to bring something it may feel rude at the time but the chances are they will be more than willing to help out.
• Get a good night's rest aim for 9 hours this will help you get more done in the long run.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help! If your stuck on a christmas gift ask someone close to the person you are buying for, take advantage of the gift wrapping services that stores provide and at time you will most likely be supporting a charity.
• Order your food online! This saves time and you won't have to brave the shops to do it! Many stores such as coles or woolworths/safeway do it for little or no charge.
• Give your self a day off at least once or twice this makes for a more sane and relaxed you!

So please give these tips a try and remember Jesus is the reason for the season!