It's December, you just realized that there are only a few weeks left until one of the biggest holidays of the year... CHRISTMAS!!

You suddenly get a headache, maybe a slight panic attack when you start thinking about all of the decorations that need to be put up, the gifts that need to be bought, and the family traditions that need to be completed. That is all part of the holiday season starting around Thanksgiving, but when you're too busy stressing about all of that, you forget the reason this Holiday exists in the first place... because our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was born.

I'm guilty of getting wrapped up in the craziness that this Christmas season has become over the years. Sure, there is magic in the air when you see the excitement of children's faces as they are talking about Santa, and their Elf on the Shelf, but for me the real magic happens when I think about the wonderful day that Jesus, our savior, was born.

Just imagine, instead of making shopping lists, cutting coupons for hours on end, and baking so much that you don't want to see another whisk until next Christmas doing things that remind you of Christ. You could go to a local soup kitchen to feed the hungry, or donate old winter coats for people who aren't as fortunate. What a better way to serve and celebrate Jesus, than by serving others.

Now, I'm not saying that you should boycott the magical Christmas traditions of visiting Santa, and sending letters to the North Pole. Parents, I know that saying, "Santa is watching you", to your kids has saved you from dealing with a meltdown in public on multiple occasions. On top of those traditions lets instill some new ones, for people young and old. Sit down and read an advent devotion every night, listen to Christmas songs that are also centered around Christ, like Oh Holy Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. These are just small things that can remind you what the celebration is all about.

Remembering the true reason for the season can help the Christmas magic last a life time, not just during the " I believe in Santa phase". I don't know about you, but when I think about Jesus Christ being born to show me who my God is, give me unfailing love, constant forgiveness, and to die for my sins, I get all warm and fuzzy inside.

Knowing that we celebrate this wonderful season for Him and only Him makes this season more enjoyable to me. If I notice myself getting overwhelmed in all of the traveling, shopping, baking, and gift wrapping, I take a step back to remember that this season is meant for celebrating Christ. It helps me re- prioritize whats I need to focus on during Christmas, and not get so wrapped up in the superficial things about Christmas.

Jesus is the reason to celebrate the season, so keep the magic and joy of Christ in your hearts this Christmas season!