As Taylor Swift says in her song, "Christmas Must be Something More." At this time of year it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas and focus only on the snow and the presents. But this year I challenge you to focus on something more--the reason for our celebration, Jesus' birth.

1. Buy an Advent Wreath.

An Advent wreath celebrates the passing of the four weeks of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Lighting an Advent wreath with your family can be a great way to get together to celebrate the season and join in prayer. So after your meal on Sunday, use that time to light the respective Advent candle and pray for an increase in your faith this Christmas.

2. Make an Advent Calendar.

There are many types of Advent calendars but I challenge you this year to make your own. Write down something special you can do for others each day of December counting down to Christmas. Whether it is calling a family member you haven't talked to in awhile, or spending time volunteering at a local food kitchen, the point of the calendar is to give of yourself to others during this holiday season. Jesus taught us to give of ourselves, and the best time to practice this is during the Christmas season in preparation for His birth!

3. Focus on Giving rather than Getting.

What is Santa going to bring me this year? How about, what am I going to give to others this year? This is not to say you need to go out and spend a ton of money on gifts. Rather, it is about thinking of others and finding ways to give of yourself this Christmas. Perhaps you can go visit grandma in her nursing home? Or invite a new friend to get coffee? Maybe buy groceries for the family at church that is struggling to make ends meet? The important thing is that you focus on the needs of others and discover ways in which you can spread Christmas cheer and love during this special time of the year.

4. Send Christmas cards.

How many people still send snail mail? When was the last time you received a letter in the mail? It's probably been awhile. But that is what makes it so special. Buy some Christmas cards and mail them to your friends and family this year. Go so far as to leave a special message reminding them of what they mean to you. Some cards even offer Bible verses inside that can remind your friends and family of the reason for the season.

5. Read the Bible.

The Bible tells the story of Christmas! Reading the Bible is something you should always include in your daily life, but particularly at Christmas. Perhaps if reading the Bible has always sounded challenging to you, this is the time of year to start. Some good passages to begin with during this time of the year are the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke Chapter 2. Another idea is to Pinterest good calendars of daily Bible verses to read during Advent.

6. Watch the movie "The Nativity Story."

"The Nativity Story" is a 2006 movie that tells the story of Jesus' birth. Beginning with the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth, the story progresses through Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. Especially on Christmas Eve this movie can become a Christmas tradition to remind you of the importance of this holiday.

7. Go to Church to celebrate Jesus' birth.

Celebrate the reason for the season--Jesus' birth! Go to church Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with your family and friends to spend time with Jesus on his birthday. If it has been awhile since you have been to church, use this as an opportunity to rediscover your faith and relationship with Jesus. Perhaps check out a new church, or revisit the church you haven't attended in awhile. See what they have to offer and challenge yourself to attend more often.

Advent and the Christmas season are a time of celebration. Use the holidays this year as a time to get more connected with your friends and family and show them how much you love and appreciate them. But most of all, use this time to strengthen your relationship with Jesus as you celebrate his birthday!